Passion First

In 2010, I was sitting in a small classroom midweek at Pro Dive Manly learning to scuba dive. We were going around the room as everyone explained why they were doing their Openwater Scuba course and what they wanted to do with their life. We had a mix of demographics as there was young and old of both genders and vast backgrounds. I was in the middle of my exam period and had an 11 day break between exams hence wanted to break up the monotony of my finance and economics degree with something I’ve been wanting to do for years.

The most mature age student was easily 60+ years of age and he was finally fulfilling his dream of scuba diving. He told the room that day something that has stuck with me for the last decade. At the time, I was young and naive enough to take his little musing for granted and not appreciate it as I perhaps should have. The happiest people he knew in his life were those who turned their passion into a career. This seems trivial and utopian however it is in fact rather profound. You must start with your passions. Therein lies the difficult part. One must identify their deepest passions and that takes self-awareness and emotional intelligence that is not dealt with effectively through our current education system.

Divers are a special breed. I’ve yet to meet a diver that I couldn’t get along with. Arguments are merely jovial banter while at the bar after a solid day diving. I’m a strong advocate for scuba diving and think that everyone should learn to do it. The only valid excuse not to try is if you cannot get medical clearance from your doctor. Diving is the easiest way to experience weightlessness. It is one of the most effective rehabilitation activities for physically disabled persons who have otherwise lost their ability to move on their own volition. It literally gives paraplegics their freedom back. Don’t take my word for it. Watch Tito and see for yourself.

Don’t listen to your parents, don’t listen to your spouse, don’t listen to the voices that are judging you. Listen to your heart. If you struggle to find your passion, that’s ok. Let your passion find you.