Why will you not take a chance on something that makes you extremely joyful and fills you with passion?
We all hope and dream that we keep flying in an endless sky with no fear of being let down. In these unending dreams, we anticipate that no bullets ever touch us in the sky and no cage imprison us on land. But despite the precarious external situations, one thing that keeps us moving is the fire that each one of us holds within ourselves. This is the fire of passion, admiration, devotion, determination and love.
Parents or guardians must clearly distinguish between ‘what they want their children to do’ and ‘what the children want to do in life.’ The burden of expectations is very heavy to bear and so our only saviour is the fire of passion within us to do something meaningful in life.
Here I quote the wise words of one of my favourite poets, Pablo Neruda,
“As if you were on fire from within.
The moon lives in the lining of your skin.”
And now for a couple of minutes, I’ll present you with a short story of one of the dearest person in my life, my younger brother, Jai.
One Sunday morning, our doorbell rang and I saw my brother with two bicycles. Since I had opened the door, I asked my brother whose bicycle had he got with him. He told me with the exhilaration that he had won in the health awareness cycling event organised in the community that early morning. Though we were aware that he had a race the next day, we had not imagined (even in the dreams that night) that he’ll secure the first position.
What could be an elder sister’s reaction to this?
I was elated. For me, it was like a big Sunday surprise and a reason to make our Sunday even better by enjoying good food for the celebration.
My brother was soaked in sweat since he had adorned himself with so much cycling gear. I took one cycle inside and he got the other one. My parents were so happy to see the medals around his neck and it was one of those days that one registers in their treasure of memories.
Jai makes bicycle designs for his cyclist friends from different countries, designs cycling jerseys and promotes and advocates for cycling as a sport and healthy lifestyle. Today, he’s a proud Merida rider. Streaming his hard work and love, he has won multiple cycling events and is very passionate to continue his love for cycling in the future as well.
My parents have never stopped us (their children) from pursuing what our heart desires. While my father loves chanting that ‘we have one life and we should enjoy and stay joyful’, my mother, on the other hand, pushes us to be our best.
Even though we have been critical of the scope of cycling in India, while also keeping road safety in mind (especially for professional cyclists or cycling enthusiasts) we have never stopped Jai from pedalling for his passion. It is now for him to decide what path he decides to pedal to in life.
How can this story make a difference (even the slightest difference matters) in your life or the ones you care for? [If you’re a parent or a guardian, please take a special note].
As far as I have learnt, the cage of constraints should be unlocked, opened and thrown away forever.
Let your loved ones, your children follow their passion: When people follow their passion, it releases substantial amounts of dopamine that fuel their “feel good” factor and they feel a sense of joy in doing that activity or work. Trust your dear ones, guide them and assure them that you’re with them.
“I would rather die of passion than of boredom.”
~Vincent Van Gogh
Never teach them to ignore their instincts: Who doesn’t know Narain Karthikeyan? He developed his passion for racing at the age of 15 and became the first Indian Formula Racer to represent India internationally. He followed his instincts, his passions and lives a life that could only exist in dreams.
“I’m living the life of my dreams.”
~Narain Karthikeyan
The exposure they get motivates them to be their best selves and encourages them to work harder. This in turn can inspire thousands of other people, especially the younger ones around them to pursue their passions.
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
~Oprah Winfrey
The freedom to pursue one’s passions helps improve mental well-being. Some people follow their passion from the beginning, some discover it later, while some remain in search of something their heart desires for a long time.
No time is too late to begin, and every time is right to ignite the fire in us.
Shall we burn with the flames of passion now?
Thanks for Reading!
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