It’s been almost a month since the conversation took place, but I can’t shake the feeling of embarrassment that washed over me when I was asked to share “what would you do with a million dollars?” when out with friends at dinner.
Kind of crazy, isn’t it? I just froze. I didn’t want to respond with something like others at the table. I wanted to be an original, but I really haven’t thought about it. Maybe because I don’t play the lottery so there’s no chance that I’d just come into an extra million. Or perhaps, I’m just too busy with the grind of life that I haven’t properly day dreamed in a while. I'm not really sure I even have a reason.
So, what would I do with a million dollars? Would I quit my job? Would I stay in Washington, DC?
Well, quickly, I’d pay off my debt and invest in a home. There’s a piece of me that really wants to find its way back to the Midwest. I’m thinking Chicago or maybe Denver. (Technically, Denver isn’t the Midwest, but close enough.) And I’d get myself a pair of really nice over the top shoes. Wait, what am I say a pair, I’d invest in at least a dozen pairs, starting with this one, and this one and yes, this one. Lastly, I’d insist that The Thinker and I spend at least 3 months traveling to those places we really don’t think our lives would be complete without visiting. As much as it pains me, we’d even head to Mongolia.
Of course, all of that would have me quitting my job without hesitation. Once I got back from the traveling and the shopping, I’d follow my passion. And that’s where you got me. Where you identify the problem with that plan.
I can’t tell you what my passion is. One minute I want to be a personal chef. The next I want to take on event planning or maybe I want to be a writer. Turn around and ask me five minutes later and I want to open a tea shop. Wait, I want to raise race horses. No, no. I want to teach.
I guess that’s part of why I couldn’t answer the question. I don’t what I’m passionate about. I feel like I’ve lost my way a bit. Regardless, The Thinker and I have came to the same conclusion – we cannot continue down the path we’re on now. The next few weeks, months, etc. will be devoted to figure this out.
My grandpa told me when he ventured out to DC with me so I could follow a dream that “once you quit dreaming you’ve given up your soul.” Well, I think it’s about time I start dreaming again.
4 comments:
I see nothing wrong with having multiple passions.
I think sometimes you have to give up on dreaming big for a year or two to get some of the nitty gritty life building things done. Doesn't mean you can pick up where you left off once you get through those years. Now its time to figure out what the first passion you'll peruse is! like the above there is no harm in have multiple passions!
Jerry & Blue, I know I'm not limited to one. But am I passionate about anything enough to make it a happy successful career?
Life is too short to do everything you want to, and there are probably many careers in which you will be happy and successful. Pick one that you think is available, attainable, and worthy of our efforts.
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