How to Honor a Passion’s Dream
The great benefit of putting yourself out there.
Rediscovering the Child in All of Us
Remember when you were a child, and your world was an endless playground of imagination?
Whether it was through art, sports, or other curiosities, we were driven by boundless creativity. Our tiny hands held no concept of limits, and we eagerly expressed our childlike minds.
Years pass, yet we’re still often reminded that we carry that child within us. We find ourselves drawn back to the things we used to love, sometimes even exploring new interests. This innate passion, deeply rooted in our early years, continues to shape our lives.
Nurturing the Creative Spirit
As a child, the stories seem to find me easy and linger long enough to form in paper. I see the falling leaves as ships hovering around the endless skies. Alongside them are flying pigs.
These stories then stack on top of each other, eventually forming random tales. Soon, a body of what used to be little observations in my head now appear in front of me- almost tangible and breathing.
Now, I’ve learned to emphasize the greatness of a simple act. It is my attempt to spark a conversation about topics we don’t often talk about and mostly take for granted.
And like all artists that are continuously exposed to their craft, I got better.
The Choice We Make
As we put our work out into the world, we begin to see the opportunity to earn money from it. As cliche as it may sound, money does make the world go round. It is the currency that allows us to purchase our freedom; to expand our influence over the things that give us pleasure.
To position ourselves, we hone our crafts. We adopt strategies that improve our chances of monetizing our hobbies. Hey! To be rewarded for doing what you love? You could also sign me up!
However, this poses a kind of danger we are not always aware of. We’re consciously assigning monetary value to the things we used to do for free and out of love.
Soon enough, we lose the spontaneity of catching an idea and acting on it. The little joys of discovering new things are now replaced by tight deadlines. The stress could build up pretty quickly. Don’t worry, let’s talk about this.
Don’t let what you love to be all the means to live.
Let’s face it, money is one of our basic needs in order to survive. It grants us immediate access to our necessities such as food, shelter, and water. Without it, we risk not having the capacity to meet the bare minimum of living standards.
Yes, when push comes to shove, we can see our crafts as a reliable way to garner income. These hobbies are activities we regularly immerse ourselves in. They are repetitive tasks that eventually become autonomous in nature that makes them easier to tune in.
Because unlike learning a new skill to land a job, it seems much easier to rely on what we already know.
However, this reliance could exhaust us. What were once just things we do out of love now became a means to support our survival. This endangers the passion in the crafts we enjoy and make.
Striking the Perfect Balance
So, how can we navigate this delicate balance between passion and financial necessity? Here are some strategies:
- Diversify Your Income: Don’t put all your financial eggs in one basket. Explore part-time jobs, freelancing, or other income sources to ease the pressure on your hobbies.
- Realistic Expectations: Understand that not all passions can be big money-makers. Set achievable financial goals that align with your hobby’s potential.
- Create Boundaries: Separate your creative exploration from income-generating work. Designate specific times for personal creativity to maintain spontaneity.
In the end, it’s about finding harmony between your passion and financial needs. With a strategic approach and a deep connection to your craft, you can thrive both creatively and financially.
Share Your Thoughts!
What are your thoughts on this balance between passion and financial stability? How do you manage it in your own life? Feel free to share your insights and experiences.
