It is said that in Beethoven’s later years, his hands were so crippled with arthritic pain that he could barely move them. Yet each morning when playing the piano his hands transformed, as though by magic, flying nimbly and freely across the keyboard.
Feeding your passion can do that. We forget the aches, pains and limitations while we’re lost in doing what we love. Time flies and our spirit soars. We become energized and invigorated beyond our years.
Having a passionate pursuit gets us out of bed in the morning. It gets us through the rough spots and gives balance to our life.
There are endless things to be passionate about: creative outlets such as drawing, painting or quilting; being a collector of things as unique as antique dolls or as common as rubber stamps…you’ll always be on the lookout for that next delightful item. Our passions can be everyday activities such as cooking or gardening or even just walking. We can have passion for the people we love, our career or a volunteer activity.
We can bring passion to whatever we do – it’s all in our attitude and how we approach life. Don’t let obstacles get in the way of your passions. If you’re a book lover, yet your eyesight is diminished, listen to books on tape. Sometimes a handicap or setback is an opportunity to find a completely new passion, to explore and discover parts of ourselves we didn’t know were there. I became a writer when I began having mobility issues. The days I had trouble walking used to be very depressing. Now when I can’t walk, I write. In the process I realized what a passion I have for writing!
If you don’t have a passion, develop one. Experiment and be open to trying new things. Put yourself in a rich environment and you’ll find something that makes your spirit soar. The 13th century poet Rumi said “Let yourself be drawn by the silent pull of what you really love.”
Your passion will add years to your life, keeping you alert and alive, awakening every cell in your body.
This article appeared in the September 2007 issue of Northwest Prime Time, the Puget Sound region’s monthly publication celebrating life after 50.
