Making Time for Your Passions

Between working, networking with colleagues, a social life, exercising, and other daily chores, finding the moments when you can do something you are truly passionate about are few and far between. The majority of us get a decent amount of satisfaction from our jobs, but sometimes it feels like something is missing.

Professionally, I am a CPA. Numbers have always been my strong suit. There is, for the most part, a right and wrong answer. There isn’t a grey area; rarely do I ever second guess myself. I enjoy this. I like my job and feel very lucky to be employed by my company. However, while my left brain is completely satisfied by my profession, the needs of my right brain are often left unattended.

I believe we all deserve to feel fulfilled. The feeling of fulfillment is something that is accomplished differently from person to person.  For me, it is through volunteering with animal rescue organizations. While I am truly proud of my professional accomplishments and education, I am more proud that I have helped save dogs from euthanasia at animal shelters in Dallas.  No, I do not have countless hours to spend volunteering, but I do have a few spare moments.  And those are the moments when my right brain feels satisfied.  It should be noted that my right brain fully thanks my left brain for providing the financial means to support my dog fostering hobby.

For most of us, finding a spare moment is sort of like finding a needle in a haystack. Examine your schedule. Look for the spaces that might otherwise be wasted.  For me, that is during my lunch break.  Most days, instead of running errands or staying at work, I head home to take my foster dogs on a walk.  I realize I am one of the fortunate few that live close enough to home to be able to do this, but it is just an example.  Maybe your best time is in the morning, before the working day has started, or on a Sunday afternoon.  

So am I encouraging you to quit your day job and spend all your time being a “cuddler” at the neonatal unit of your local hospital? Absolutely not.  I realize this isn’t possible for the vast majority.  Our jobs support our livelihood, our hobbies, and our families. But, I am encouraging you to think about your passions and to take a few moments to fulfill them.  It is essential to your mental well-being. 

If you are like me and find fulfillment through volunteering, reach out to organizations in your area that interest you.  Sure you may not have hours to spare, but don’t let that stop you. I guarantee they would gladly have you help for an hour a week than not help at all. In the end, while you are doing them a favor, you are doing a greater service to yourself. You will leave feeling uplifted and have a refreshed positive outlook. One hour, although not a lot of time, has incredible staying power when spent doing something you truly love. Whatever your passion might be, try and find a time to fulfill it this week.

Lindsey Cook works as a CPA at a real estate investment trust in Dallas. When she is not at her 9-5 gig, you can find her training for marathons or covered in butter and powdered sugar baking in her kitchen. Clearly she is a firm believer in a well-balanced life. Lindsey also spends time writing her personal blog, Pardon the Dog Hair, and working on her photography skills.