Here’s to the people who could talk about their “thing” for hours. Here’s to the night owls researching their nights away and the early bird’s rising just to get a head start on the new day. There is nothing more magical than watching the light ignite in someone’s eyes when they are immersed in the action of what they love. It’s the soul of a musician ripping their heart out on a set of strings and the dimples of a nurse spreading their compassion to the patients who need it most.

Too often, I see people smother their passion because apathy is cool. The people who are the best at what they do are “try-hards”. The people who are consumed by their love for animals or art or anything need to “get a life”. Too often, conversations fueled by raw expression and drive are shut down by simple head nods and “mhm”. Rather than ignoring people when they light up about their books or dance or cooking expertise -- we need to pay some interest.

People who are dedicated make the world tick. They are the innovators and the great public leaders. They are also the basketball players putting on a great show and the doctors who make us feel at ease. They are the friends who make a trip to the theatre ten times more fun by being super hype about the plot and the pop corn. Whatever it is that makes you come alive -- own it. Whether it’s understanding the human genome or ordering pizza from Domino’s -- do it full throttle.