Passion or Obsession?

Do you feel driven towards some specific things you do in life? Do you feel like you want to do these things all the time, and that's what keeps you going? If you answered yes to these questions, then now you must ask yourself another highly important question: Is it passion or obsession?

The answer to this question may seem obvious to some, but not so obvious to others. The Webster Dictionary definition for the two words are as follows:

1. passion-strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor. a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything:ex, a passion for music.
2. obsession-the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistentidea, image, desire, etc.; an addiction, a habit of activity; often injurous

You may look at the two definitions and think to yourself, what's the difference? Well, let's go a step further. We looked at the definition. Now, let's look at some synonyms for each word.

1. passion-craving, drive, enthusiasm, fascination, infatuation, obsession, devotion
2. obsession-enthusiasm, delusion, attraction, fixation, complex, compulsion,preoccupation,phobia

While we can notice some similarities, we can also see the difference. Passion and obsession are two words that represent a feeling or movement; both closely relative to the other. The difference is: passion yields productivity where as obsession yields destruction. The dictionary described obsession as something that often causes injury.

When you are passionate about something, you are calm, cool and collected. You are in control of your desires, though they be strong. When you are obsessed with something, that something is in control of you. You are fixated on it and it becomes your life. You don't have control over your thoughts or actions. So your end results and what comes forth is vanity and destruction.

Passion is the depth of life. We all were created with special gifts and talents. To find them is to find your purpose in life. Obsession for over achieving something, whether it be your passion or not, only brings destruction. Today, I urge you to find your passion and take hold of it, but don't become obsessed with it. Passion helps you enjoy life, while obsession makes life seem worthless, apathetic and even unbearable.

Look carefully at this rose. How beautiful are its petals; beautiful and flourishing, such a delight. But just beneath such beauty lies thorns; right where we must hold such a beautiful flower. We could prune the thorns and hold on to the beautiful flower with such pleasure or we could become so obsessed with reaching the petals that we totally ignore the thorns, holding onto them, while painfully climbing toward our goal of reaching those petals. Which would you prefer?

I personally would prefer to prune the thorns, so that I could comfortably hold the stem that leads to my passion: the petals.

Become passionate and start enjoying life today! Thanks always for blogging with me. I welcome your comments and feedback. Until later, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you.