I might be said to be a pretty lucky person. Since the beginning of my education, starting way back even before kindergarten, my siblings and I were inculcated with the idea that passion and talent together take precedent over salary.

Surely, if one likes to do something and is good at it, one can’t fail, right?

In an ideal world, maybe. The truth is, a dependable income is much more important than passion, oftentimes even talent. If I can’t even take care of myself and become a burden on society, not to mention my family, how could this arrangement work?

I used to take flute lessons . My flute teacher’s salary barely covered his rent and bills – he subsisted largely on plain tofu and rice, and he was European. Sure, he lived an idyllic existence, doing what he loved best – playing the flute. But was he truly happy? I don’t think he’d dare to admit the truth.

Then there was the family who lived next door. The dad used to be a banker – he didn’t love it, but it allowed him to live comfortably while providing for his wife. After immigrating, he took up a new profession, one he’d always dreamed of – baking. Believe it or not, the guy was a complete genius with ovens. The stuff he’d send next door was pure ambrosia. It seemed like a great beginning to life in new country – until he realized that the money simply wasn’t enough. Since his university degrees and professional certification were obtained in another country, they weren’t recognized as proof of his fitness to work in a bank. He was stuck.

Somewhere along the way, you have to draw the line between what you want to do and what you have to do.

Enjoying what you do is a cornerstone to success. How can you get very far anyhow if you don’t have passion in what you do day in and day out?

“The Second Truth. The cause of human impermanence, imperfection, and suffering is undoubtedly found in the thirsts of the physical body and in the attachments and illusions of worldly passion. ”

I’m not a Buddhist, but yet my experiences in life have taught me that passions are what lead to pride, failure and similar issues. The momentary highs you feel from something passionate are no different than that of a drug user. Enjoyment of everything is the state were searching for, not just moments.

Brad–Love the metaphor of our fears as doorways with “Do Not Disturb Signs.” Exactly!