The many facets of Passion

What does it mean “to keep our soul alive?” And, how do we do it? I would imagine there are many people who rarely give it much thought, or, at least, surely question the concept of one’s own soul and/or relating it to the interpretation of passion.

Musicians singing with soul share the love and heartaches of life with the depth of feeling that reaches into our core. We are lured to “the city with a soul,” and the concept of finding a “soul mate” is a dream come true for many.

This is what Robert Lewis Stevenson says about keeping your soul alive: “To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying ‘amen’ to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive.”

Sculpting a beautiful piece of stone, taking a breath of that fine dry desert air while hiking into the red range of mountains, or holding a newborn

baby for the very first time are all moments which have the potential of adding substance to our soul, of feeling the heartfelt exuberance of passion. Embracing spirituality as a life force, being aware of one’s artistic talent, taking time to fine tune a special interest are feelings and experiences which add passion to one’s life.

To find a profession or hobby or a focused interest that brings joy and creativity is a dream and hope held by many. Organizations, honored clubs, churches and temples are composed of the lucky ones who have a passion for their association’s ideal.

On Marco Island I am constantly amazed at the amount of dedicated people who give countless time, energy, and money to their hobby, special interest or organizations in which they hold dear.

The Calusa Garden Club, The Shell Club, The Flyrodders, and the Corvette Club all are composed of members whose passion brings zest for life. Those involved in

working towards a vision in organizations like the Marco Island Historical Society and the Marco Island Art League, Center for the Arts, are amazing examples of making choices which add passion, energy and a sense of accomplishment to one’s life.

The Kiwanis, Optimist and Rotary Club’s coffers are composed of members who spend time encouraging and assisting others, thus giving and receiving countless and priceless pleasure. The Boy Scouts, those who support the ACS’s annual fundraising efforts, schools, sports leagues and groups who we hear little about are made up of individuals with interests, talent and dreams, all of which add energy and bountiful love to one another and one’s own life.

We have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Somehow, we need to remember to appreciate this moment and to see beauty. May you continue to take those steps, one by one, which lead you to your own individual sense of passion and strength of spirit and soul.