I had a lot of interests as a kid. I loved all sorts of music then (still do), European sports cars, hand-built bicycles (I built a bike from pieces when I was 11), cool houses and beer cans.
Yes, I collected beer cans. When I was 10. I loved the colors and images on the labels. The hilarious photos on the “Olde Frothingslosh” cans. The gorgeous green metal flake on the Cloud Nine can. I still have a few special examples that I didn't trade for my first Harley Davidson. (Yep... I actually used beer cans as a down payment on a 1979 HD Sportster.)
But somewhere along the way, I got it in my head that I had to sacrifice my passions for pragmatism. Give up the dreams. Grow up. Get a real job. Shove money into a 401(k) and retire to somewhere sunny. “You’ll do it and you’ll like it, kid.”
I did it. I didn’t like it.
Here's what I know now.
Making ANY ONE of my childhood passions my life's obsession would have paved the way for all of the pragmatic issues of supporting a family, paying my bills, living with zeal and bringing joy into the world.
Had I chosen to live and breathe hand-built bicycles, I may have become the world's greatest bike builder. Instead, I gaze longingly at gorgeous bikes hanging in shops... wondering "what if..."
Had I chosen to grow my hair long and pick up a guitar when I wanted to, I might have become the rock star that some said I would never be. Instead, I'm a noodler after playing that darned instrument for more than 30 years.
Had I chosen to follow my obsession for European sports cars, who knows... I may now own the most exclusive Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini dealership in the US.
Funny thing, though. Even if I didn't become the next Eric Clapton or didn't end up building bikes for Lance Armstrong or selling cars to bajillionaires.... I would have been LIVING MY PASSION, resulting in happiness no huge commission check can replace.
Don't get me wrong. While I do have regrets, none of them are having me jump off a bridge. I simply am able to see how my choices then have affected my day today.
Nothing... and I mean NOTHING... can take the place of following my bliss.
I've tried. I've made and spent more money that I care to think about. I've slaved over projects that I despised. Worked for bosses I despise even more. All in the name of pragmatism.
Well fu*k that nonsense. Being Happy Comes First.
I now find myself more than half way through my life... broke, passionless and searching.
So what’s a guy to do?
How about starting at the beginning?
Pick up my guitar and play. Just like yesterday. Every day.
Obsess about cool houses. Make it a priority. Live and breathe Mid-Century Modern. Support my friends in their passion for all things Mod.
Take those beer cans out of that box in the closet and display them prominently in my house. Remember the joy that a $2 EMPTY can of beer brought.
And KNOW that beyond the shadow of a doubt, all of the practical things like bills and retirement and dental insurance will absolutely fall into place.
So what's life’s lesson?
Pick a passion. Today. ANY ONE. It really doesn’t freaking matter what it is. It could be fly fishing or drumming or making tie-dye t-shirts (I made a few thousand of them) or motorcycle racing or men’s suits or brooms or roller derby. It’s your life. It’s your passion. Live it. Breathe it. Stay in love with it.
Just don’t give it up for ANYONE or ANYTHING.
You’ll be happier that you've ever dreamed and making a difference in the world in ways you can’t even fathom.
I promise.
