Philippe Petit said in an interview, "I did something magnificent and mysterious, and I got a 'why' -and the beauty of it is that I don’t have a 'why.'"
This weekend, a movie about Mr. Petit called "Man on Wire" is opening in theaters. It's a documentary about a French high-wire artist who followed his own passion and pulled off one of the most amazing stunts across the World Trade Center towers. If you're looking for some inspiration, his daring story may just show you how one person can challenge the norm and do whatever it takes to achieve their dreams. (Reviews)
The satisfaction of doing what you love is the key to your very success. No amount of money will be satisfy you if your efforts are the dreams of others. In my culture, many kids are taught two words very early on: Doctor & Engineer. These are great professions, but unfortunately, not truly the passion of most. Some parents pass on this belief to their children with the notion that these are the only occupations that will give you comfort in life. There is nothing further from the truth.
I love photography with a passion. I love what I do. It's very difficult for someone to say that about their job. When you realize how much you can enjoy doing something day in and day out, you've found your niche.
People have heard me say this many times, but I'll say it again: No matter what you do in life, make sure there's magic in it.
If you haven't found it, keep looking and never give up. Don't follow someone else. Charter your own path. Focus on what you love with a passion, and give it everything you have without any regard to how someone else will judge you or question you. The dreamers are always judged, but the dreamers are also the ones remembered.
When Philippe Petit had finished his stunt, the dreamer was in fact arrested for his daring act. His charge: disturbing the peace. Sometimes you have to shake things up a bit to make your dream a reality.
To change the way the world is by using your own personal expression, is one of the most powerful forces unrealized by many.
Friday, August 8, 2008
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1 comment:
In our culture (sounds like we have the same) children need the courage to stand up for their passions -- whether its a career choice or mate of their own.
Parents' nagging and taunting is like a crash-test to see whether or not our passion will survive in our own hearts long enough for it to be profitable and respectable to the community, to the world, mostly to ourselves.
No matter how harsh parents may seem, the world is harsher. It's always easiest to defend someone when you know their heart is in it instead of backing them up blindly only to have the person back out last minute, leaving you hanging. Parents are not unlike investors and scientific journals. If my name is attached to someone, I'd throw everything at them, too, to see if it would shake or and break their spirit easily.
Most of the time, the nagging, disrespect, and discouragement work to fuel the fire of passion even more so. The more they nag, the more we wish to strive harder. That makes victory even sweeter!
"The Paparazzo"(I say this with utmost respect and regard not jest) is very lucky to have found his passion, the means of pursuing it, and the courage to defend it. He should pray that the rest of us do, too. :)
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