“There is so much going on” and “I don’t have time”, that’s two of the most used phrases of the younger generation. You’re so busy with your life and you might get pressured by people saying “pursue your passion” that you find yourself confused on how you can pursue that particular passion of yours.
When I was in college, I was confused about what I wanted to do, as well. Whenever I heard people say “pursue your passion”, I always wondered how people did it. I wasn’t able to pursue my own passions until seven years later. Unlike most stories, mine was slow and had a lot of hurdles.
I remember reading an article about why people should stop telling others to quit their jobs and pursue their passions. I silently agreed because you may not be able to survive and give up on your passions unless you have money to spare while you build your personal brand.
For more than seven years, I was in TV production, I was a writer, I was a marketing officer, and I was assisting at events. All along, I was wondering if I could still pursue my passion. It was in the back of my head for so long. Once I had the experience and had saved some money, I knew I could start pursuing my passion.
The writer, Sky Gavin, with the Ford Ecosport during one of her styling gigs
So, what’s your passion?
This is a little hard to answer. We spend our lives trying to figure out what we want to do. Some of us are lucky to find what they are passionate about early on, but most of us spend years trying to find what our passion is.
I asked myself so many times what my passion is. Millennials are known to be multi-taskers, making it harder to figure out which one their passion is.
Ask yourself now: what is your passion?
As for me, it has always been working with other people. I am passionate about helping people achieve their goals, but can that be considered as a passion? I also dabble in writing, styling, and personal shopping but; I also paint when I have the time. I am very passionate about all of these things.
In the age of Anxiety and Depression
I know so many people who had a hard time figuring life out. Because of our inner demons, pursuing passions can be a little harder than usual. In the age of technology and social media, we have all been fed with the “pursue your passion” mantra, but only so little talk about how to do this in the age of mental health illnesses.
I’ve tried pursuing my passions in the past, but I knew that the timing wasn’t right. My head was filled with darkness and I knew I needed to get help before I could finally make myself whole and happy. I was in that state for more than two years. Writing was my outlet and fashion styling for friends’ projects helped me cope. I was very passionate about painting, but it was something that was put on the back burner.
I knew I was healing. After numerous sessions with a psychologist and taking medication, I saw that the sun was shining a little brighter. Then, I started painting. My work helped me look back on how life was and made me thankful for where I am today.
So here I am now, with my head a little clearer and my heart a little stronger. I learned how to take care of myself. I was able to know when I needed to stop and breathe, or when I needed to just let go. I knew when I needed to go on a road trip to clear my mind or when I needed to smell the ocean breeze. Those two had helped me to heal. The universe gives back positive energy – the same energy that helped me get through the darkest of days. Driving and seeing the sea never failed to clear my head and calm my heart.
On weekdays, I’m here on your screens, writing or running WheninManila.com’s beautiful team. On weekends or whenever I have the time, I am a stylist. See, if you are sure that you are passionate about something, you can pursue it. No matter the timing, no matter how long, and no matter how hard it may be.
Pursue your passion at your own time and at your own pace. That passion is yours and no one else can take it from you.
Special thanks to Ford Philippines.
