Wilson Bentley was a man who studied snowflakes... sketching them as a boy....photographing them as a young man. Fascinated with the clear crystals that fell from the sky Bentley spent his whole life trying to understand everything about the white flakes. Some thought he was crazy. Some wondered why he didn't get a 'real' job.....why he wasted so much of his time analyzing snowflakes. The beauty he saw in them....became his life's work.
Passion. It's what makes us unique. And like Bentley's fascination with snowflakes....sometimes it's hard to understand why someone is passionate about something. It takes courage to follow your heart...to be the person you were meant to be. There were people who laughed at Bentley...thought he was crazy....but he ignored them...followed his heart...his passion....and did what made him feel alive....
I had been taught I had no right to be or do what I wanted. I was forced to be what I couldn't...to live in ways that defined someone else's beliefs, dreams and purposes. I had no sense of self...no identity. Every decision became life or death....right or wrong. Even choosing a favorite color or food terrified me....I constantly feared making the wrong choice.
It was a struggle....to break free...to find my passion....to move towards the things that made my heart sing...that gave me purpose and a reason for being. I didn't realize it then....I do now...courage doesn't always feel strong...powerful...determined. Sometimes it feels like you're losing.
To live my passion....I learned to fight not to give in to people....and systems who kept trying to keep me living less than my best. I'm doing it with His help....
Now everything in me wants to fight for others....for them to be free...to find hope...to overcome....whether through my writing or everyday life. I want to make a difference.
I feel that awful fear everytime I step out and move towards what I want.....but I'm determined to live my passion. I've started a writing course and loving it...and joined Toastmasters....and accepted to speak to groups. The fear of being seen and heard has been with me for a long time.....but the passion I feel inside is now greater. I'm gonna feel the fear. I'm gonna do it anyways.
21 comments:
Good for you. Go for those dreams! Now is all we have. Make the most of each day.
I think courage is moving forward, doing what you know is the right thing to do even if you are fearful. I don't think it's lack of fear.
You are courageous!!
Keep looking up!
Much love to you!!
You go girl. Love to you
I understand fear to be somewhat similar to darkness. Light drives out the darkness, but it is love that drives out the fear. Being secure in the love of the Father... will eventually push the fear out. You are taking bold giant steps in dealing with that enemy - fear. Keep walking in the opposite spirit, Nikki.
Love
Lidj
You know what I like - you are taking the time - to breathe and live -actually live your life. I think that is truly awesome and that you deserve it.
And did you know that all those snowflakes are unique - just like our fingerprints? God leaves nothing to mistake.
Love you,
sandie
YAY - I love how you're stepping out and moving toward your dreams and passions. I just know that God is with you every step of the way.
I really liked how you said that sometimes courage feels like losing. I really understand that. Because for me, it takes great courage to surrender to God - and that means losing MY control over people, situations, and circumstances.
I'm also being stretched with some new opportunities to write and speak. And the devil is very busy with attacks. But, I'm with you - I'm gonna do it anyways!!
GOD BLESS!
Good for you! Finding your passion in life is so important.
Wishing you well,
NOS
You know darn well I am cheering you on! You are such an inspiration Nikki! Blessings and hugs!
Sarah,
Here supporting you as you walk through each challenge. You are making a difference. Your courage is contagious. :)
Blessings,
Tammy
oUR lORD MADE FINGERPRINTS LIKE SNOWFLAKES, NOT A ONE IS THE SAME
WE EACH ARE A SPECIAL SNOWFLAKE!
MINE JUST HAS A LOT OF COLOR ON IT
Sarah, you are making a difference. Keep moving forward. God is always with you. I applaud your courage.
Carol Kent wrote a book about "Taming your Fears" that has helped me so much. I see you taking your fears "by the horns" with the help of God! Way to go!
The very thing that was meant to destroy you will uplift you and make you stronger. You my dear are defeating a mighty enemy when you stand up and face your fears. Once again I will say, "I AM SO VERY, VERY, PROUD OF YOU"!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Much love and blessings!
Only WE need to understand our passion and respect that of others. Our passion must be pursued, it can not be allowed to die because it is the fuel that propel us further.
Go for it, Sarah.
Great post! I'm finally following my dreams to be an illustrator and do what I am passionate about after 30 years.
As you know, I'm making the rounds to say goodbye to the blogosphere after five years. Thanks for saying goodbye on my comments at my blog. You have always been, to my mind, one of the bravest bloggers and advocates out there. You stay strong, too, dear Sarah.
Keep living that passion, sister...
You know I battle that same fear of standing before people and sharing what's on my heart--but oh how wonderful it felt to finally do it! God is good:)
I think it's beautiful to have a passion (like snowflakes) and pour your soul into studying more about it. How sad to have a passion, but to be too afraid to walk in it...
A friend joined Toastmasters about 2 years ago. She dragged me to her first meeting because she was so afraid. That first night when they called on her just to introduce herself - she cried. Two years ago... now she speaks out comfortably and is helping with a support group.
Amazing things are found down the paths that are hard to walk.
Sarah, you HAVE made a difference. You've already done what others won't do in a lifetime. I'm so happy to hear you're enjoying the writing course. I'm glad you followed your passion!
I can definitely relate to feeling that fear upon stepping out, but like you, I'm learning to push through it. It's a daily struggle for me though. Thanks for an encouraging post :)
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