While listening to Fitz Cahall’s, The Dirtbag Diaries, I am constantly reminded to pursue MY passion and vision.  Good job Fitz.  Well recently on an episode called “A Successful Life” it REALLY got me thinking about my life, my passions, my job; past, present and future.  Wow.

I started to think about when going for a run in the hills was a freeing experience.  Or when snapping a photo while out on an adventure in the mountains was freeing.  Or when skiing powder was freeing.  Or climbing.  You get the idea.  There have been so many passions, which at their infancy were totally freeing and only through intense pursuit became limiting.  They all began to feel like a “need to do” instead of a “want to do”.

For me running loses it’s freedom when I start competing, timing my runs, comparing times and otherwise training.  Photos lose their freedom when I concentrate on what a ”good photo” is, what will get published, what will people want to see and what will make me money.  Skiing gets controlled by mainstream culture, the right attitude (bro bra), the right clothing, style and so on and so forth.  You get what I am saying?

I have realized that freedom and joy ARE my passions not skiing, climbing, running and taking photos.  It just so happens that for me, right now, I find freedom and joy through these experiences.  All these passions are ruined when I start pursuing them as a singular entity and not a holistic experience.  When I think of dropping in on a powder filled face, or lacing up my shoes to go for a run in the woods, or peering through the viewfinder with no boundaries or pre-conceived expectations holding me back, my joy begins to emanate.  Just to be there in that moment, without everything else, is where I find that freedom & joy.

So let go and do what you love the way you used to.