As a child, I was enrolled in just about every sport under the sun. From soccer to softball, I did it all. My mom was persistent on my brothers and I trying everything to find out what we enjoyed, but looking back it was probably more for her to maintain her sanity for those couple hours she had peace and quiet while we were at practice. My brothers found a sport they loved and ended up focusing on that. I, however, dreaded going to practice, complained about games, and pulled every excuse to get out of them. I liked the social aspect of seeing my friends, but I had no motivation to get better or even help the team win. It seemed like I would never find a passion like my friends and brothers found in sports. That all changed when I convinced my parents to let me go to a camp that specialized in horseback riding.
Little did my parents or myself know that camp would forever change my life. I had always loved animals. Animal Planet was my favorite TV station and stuffed animals filled every corner of my room. When my mom was signing us up for summer camps, I begged and pleaded to not have to go to the soccer camp I normally attended. My mom found a camp that focused on learning about horses and how to ride. She agreed to let me try it- I was thrilled. Fast forward 10 years, and here I am now traveling around the country focusing on my own little business buying young horses then selling them for a profit after getting show experience.
Horses have become my life. I wake up thinking about the plans for the day and go to bed thinking about how to become better. Sure, there are days where it is hard- my body often aches from the falls and long hours of physical work, and having a teammate with a mind of its own is humbling in so many ways. However, I have never once thought about quitting or not showing up for practice. A true passion is something you have boundless energy and drive for. Having something that inspires me to become better in every aspect of my life, has made me realize how lucky I am to have a passion in life. Only now do I understand how important it is to have something that fuels you, challenges you, and inspires you. It gave me something to build my life around. Going through life and not having something to wake up for is no way to live.
I am so lucky to have found a passion early in life. But, in my humble opinion, finding something that puts the "spark" into your life is essential to happiness. The funny thing about a passion is that it can be whatever you want it to be. From sports to a spouse, find that thing that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning.
