Many of us don’t take the time to listen to our heart, and we chase the dream seen by others. There is a saying: A boat is safe in harbour, but that’s not what it is made for. But we chose a safe zone and confine ourselves in it. We pick up a dream to be a doctor or engineer simply because that’s what society wants, and we bury our passion inside ourselves and let it die. Sometimes, we bury our passions deeply because of something that has happened in our lives or out of the fear of what may be asked of us. We cannot open ourselves to our passion or purpose until we are prepared to go beyond our comfort zone. Scary perhaps, rewarding definitely. If we discover that we have a

passion for art, music or something else, we should go completely for it no matter where the others are.

When we are inspired by a passion or purpose which lights up your life, your world expands beyond previously conceived boundaries, and you discover yourself to be a greater person than you can imagine. Along our path of discovery, there will be those that will endeavour to discourage us. Dedication, hard work and motivation are the key components of success. We shouldn’t be distracted. If people had given up, we would still be in the Stone Age. Listening to our heart and heading towards our passion isn’t so easy. It is only by persevering that we will achieve and live our passion. We should never underestimate the greatness that is in all of us. What about society? It is always passing comments.

There was a friend of mine who always wanted to be an artist. He was very good at it. But his parents wanted to make him a doctor. He couldn’t refuse them and he got admitted in a medical college. It has been seven years, but he hasn’t been able to graduate. Today, he looks so frustrated and prefers solitude. It’s disheartening to see how a cheerful guy has turned into a lonely, sad and frustrated one. Had he been able to listen his heart and tell his parents what he wanted to be, his life would have been a totally different one.

Our society views professions like doctor and engineer as being respectable and good. If anyone chooses to be an artist, dancer or singer, society will

not take it as a respectable profession. Here, people don’t look for creativity, skill and excellence. They look for success. What matters here are a degree and certificate rather than skill, proficiency and skill. If there is no passion and dreams in your life, have you really lived? So, find your passion, whatever it may be. Go for your passion, work on it and see the magic it will bring into your life. You want to stay in harbour and be safe, or sail out to sea?