Beyond Passion and Practicality

As a child, I often dreamed about what it would feel like to turn my passions into a reality. Imagine getting paid to do the very things you love, how incredible would that be? Adults always said, 'Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life' this idea fascinated me. Could work really feel that effortless and fulfilling?

In a world that often emphasizes the importance of passion and practicality, the connection of these two elements can lead to a fulfilling and successful life. However, an existing realm beyond these two dimensions deserves further exploration. I keep on seeing online debates about this dilemma and it goes like "Passion Vs. Practicality" or "When Practicality takes over Passion". Nonetheless, I think that these two words and actual choices must not be a source of constant battle on which ways in life is actually right because for me, both of them MUST exist on a person's life. Passion AND Practicality can both feed our soul and banks.   

Children who dream of becoming writers, painters, sculptors and artists frequently find themselves diverted onto paths they never envisioned. Other kids who also dream of becoming lawyers, doctors, engineers and pilots take shifts from this journey because it was an expensive ride to follow through. This arises from various reasons beyond mere financial hardship, many lack the courage to follow their passions due to societal expectations but I often ponder, "why does embracing your passion must always come at such a cost?, Why is it that choosing a path must always compete with the salaries of more conventional professions?. While it is undeniably essential to earn a living, it is equally vital to nourish the soul. When I talk about "soul" it simply means, doing things you love, doing things that makes you calm, makes you feel at ease and makes you wonder more about yourself. Neglecting our creative pursuits is just equal as allowing our soul to die while our bodies continue to exist. It is more tragic than experiencing an illness or getting hit by a huge truck. We may be alive but if our souls are starved, are we truly living?

Passion is often celebrated as the driving force behind personal and professional success. It fuels creativity, ignites motivation and inspires individuals to pursue their dreams. When people engage in activities they are passionate about, they experience a sense of joy and fulfillment that can be profoundly rewarding. However, passion alone is not always sufficient. It can lead to burnout if not balanced with practicality. The reality of life demands that we also need to consider the feasibility of our pursuits, there's just so much more we need to sustain, monthly bills, needs and wants, other paychecks and expenses. It involves the ability to assess situations, make informed decisions and implement strategies that lead to tangible results. It is the grounding force that ensures our dreams are achievable and sustainable.

Yet, while passion and practicality are essential, they can also limit our potential. When individuals focus solely on what they love or what is practical, they may overlook opportunities for growth that lie outside their comfort zones. This is where the concept of purpose comes into play. Purpose is the deeper motivation that drives us beyond our immediate passions and practical considerations. It is the “why” behind our actions, providing a sense of direction and meaning. When individuals align their passions and practical skills with a greater purpose, they often find a more profound sense of fulfillment. This alignment can lead to innovative solutions, social impact and personal growth that transcends individual desires.

Too often, individuals exhaust themselves in the relentless pursuit of academic validation. Young poets become doctors, painters turn into teachers and writers enlist as soldiers. The practical often overshadows the profound passion of a person. However, isnt it more rewarding to be a doctor who also writes and publish books? A teacher who teach and also paint and display works at an art exhibits. It's like being multi or like having another persona after we fulfill our professions. I have read that burnout frequently stems from the frantic chase of societal expectations, the relentless quest for validation and the struggle for survival. In this pursuit, many neglect their creative instincts, allowing their innate talents to fade away. They become so preoccupied with seeking external approval that they forget to nourish their own souls. I think living following the systematic ladder of this world and losing your very ownself through it is much worst than dying. Its like when we go back to my first statements, you are living physically but your soul is already rotting and decaying inside. A reason why there are people who get and have everything they wanted and needed but never feel content and satisfied.  

For those who are not privileged enough to pursue their passions freely as some habits and hobbies includes money and expenses, it is still crucial to engage in activities that bring genuine joy. Whether it’s cooking, watching films, exercising or simply reading, these small joys can be profoundly fulfilling and makes your soul truly alive. Its simply letting yourself taken aback from the world of constant competition to succeed and to achieve. Its about giving yourself some time to sit with your thoughts and enjoy solitude doing things you're passionate about.  

I recently discovered that my seemingly trivial hobbies and creative interests are what truly nourish my soul. Despite the hectic pace of campus life, carving out time for my passions keeps me vibrant. Even amidst the exhaustion of school, painting or writing relives my stress and heal my weary soul. For years, I harbored resentment over not pursuing multimedia arts, mass communication or political science, fields which I believed were my true passion. I overlooked the truth that passion can thrive even in the absence of formal credentials. Passion cannot always be tied up with diploma. Simply creating and nurturing what you love is enough, as long as it brings you peace and genuine happiness. Though I chose the field of education for its practicality and it sometimes overwhelms me, the experience has been valuable. My journey in education field cannot be compared to my passion while my passion brings me tranquility, the chaos of practicality offers lessons that enrich my understanding of teaching and the society we inhabit. Its like my passion to create gives me a sense of self, to learn more about me while my chosen path for practicality gives me a huge sense of understanding and empathy for people.

In conclusion, while passion and practicality are important components of a successful life, it is essential to look beyond them to achieve true fulfillment. By embracing purpose, cultivating resilience, and fostering adaptability. Individuals can unlock their full potential and navigate the complexities of life with greater ease. The journey toward fulfillment is not merely about pursuing what we love or what is practical, it is about aligning our passions and skills with a deeper sense of purpose, learning to bounce back from setbacks and remaining open to change. In doing so, we can create a life that is not only successful but also rich in meaning and impact. In which I love to look back at night, reflecting things I had done in a day or weeks, if I ever truly live for myself and done things that can make myself proud and happy without any regrets.