Opinion: Choosing Passion Over Comfortable Conformity-- Why Must We Do It?

As humans, it’s in our blood to let time pass us by. We’re obsessed with the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” But oftentimes, we let the speed at which time flies by, distract us, causing us to forget the whole other half of the message. Too often, do we allow time to not simply pass by, but speed away fast, leaving us behind. That is why I think this saying, however true it can be, could be accompanied with a new one. One that acknowledges the power passion has over slowing time down, allowing us to live more presently in the moment. This passion, however, whatever it may be, can get lost in the bustle of everyday life and the responsibilities it comes with. 

Have you ever noticed the feeling that occurs, between the second you step through your door after a long day and the moment you begin to feel your eyes drift to sleep? Think back to those periods of time, do you remember how you spent them? Do you remember feeling inspired or refreshed as you set your head down to rest for the day? 

All too often, our brains relate rest and relaxation with this never ending scroll, we access so easily. We look to these devices as ways to escape our own world, instead of finding bits of peace within it. Why do we do this? Is it because of the quick numbness it brings, or the simple comfort of it all? Or is it our brains looking for an easy way out, letting other people’s ideas flood and override our own? The more we use this as a shortcut, the less we begin to trust the cleverness of our own thoughts. 

We are capable of so much more than our brain lets us believe. But this self confidence is not something that simply happens to us. It’s a choice we get to make every second of every day. We have to choose to trust our own intellectuality and creativity. It’s a muscle we must train, just like anything else. 

Now this brings up the big scary question, what are we passionate about? What will make time stop in its tracks for us? What can we do that reminds us of our captivating originality? This is when you look, not to the tangible activity or hobby, but rather ask yourself, what feeling are you chasing? What are you hoping to achieve as you scroll through social media? Because it’s not the act of scrolling you find enjoyable, at least not after a certain amount of time. Is there a certain type of lifestyle that seems to be catching your eye? You’ll come to notice that nine times out of ten, it’s the energy and passion that is displayed through these videos and pictures that you desire. 

It is at this moment where we must take a step back and reflect. If we desire a life of creativity and connection, how are we allowing ourselves to have this life if we throw away the few moments of time we have to ourselves, to people we don’t even know through the screen? If one of your closest friends or family members was trying to talk to you about something they’re passionate about, you wouldn’t turn them away because you were scrolling through your phone. So why should your passions and interests be any different? 

We must practice letting ourselves simply sit in passion. We owe it to ourselves to allow ourselves to rant about the things we love. So starting today, do something that shows your brain and soul. Choose to give yourself the time it deserves to explore these passions. Choose to give your time to things that make it feel like no time has passed at all. It’s you who deserves this reminder, not the seven inch screen you carry without fail, in your back pocket.