Finding and Expressing Your Passion

Psychology is a very fascinating field of study, but has only been part of our culture for just over 100 years. Psychology traces its beginnings to the pioneering work of Sigmund Freud who was born in Vienna in 1856. Freud was trained as a physician and surgeon, but quickly discovered his passion for working with people’s mental illnesses. The Viennese Medical Society was very critical of his work and did not support his theories of the relationship between early childhood turmoil, trauma and physical symptoms. As a result, he broke away from that organization and began work with three physicians who had a profound impact upon the burgeoning fields of hypnosis and psychology: Jean Charcot, Bernheim, and Joseph Breuer.

In the 1890’s, Freud read a book that absolutely changed his life. It was titled: The Art of Becoming a Successful Writer. The author suggested that if a person really was serious about becoming a successful writer he/she needed to freely let their imagination run wild. Freud creatively found a way to apply her ideas to his work with his patients and he called it free association. Freud’s seminal book, The Interpretation of Dreams, was published in 1900. L. Frank Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz was also published in 1900. Sigmund Freud, L. Frank Baum, and W.W. Denslow, the illustrator of the Wizard of Oz, were all born in May of 1856; Denslow on May 1^st,  Freud on May 6^th, and Baum on May 15^th.  

I mention these three men because they were creative geniuses who were born within a 15 day span of time. Just as Freud is synonymous with the field of psychology, L. Frank Baum is synonymous as the writer of the great American fairytale. W.W. Denslow is remembered as the illustrator of Dorothy, Tin Woodman, Scarecrow and Lion. His enchanting drawings and Baum’s magical writing created books that were regarded and are still regarded as family favorites.  No matter what we think about Freud’s theories or Baum’s fantasy tale, their legacy lives on because of the passion and magic they put into their work and their accomplishments.

Passion is an amazing force. Look at the passion of Mother Teresa who once said that she would continue to do her work with the poorest of the poor until her last breath. We look at the lives of passionate people, not to be humbled by what they did, but to be inspired and encouraged to arouse our own enthusiasm, magic and passion.

Never lose sight of what arouses your excitement and zeal. You might discover your passion for writing, art, or playing in nature. Perhaps your chosen career continues to ignite your passion. Maybe music, dancing, cooking, exercise, or volunteering for an important cause you deeply believe in continues to challenge and thrill you. No matter what it is, find your passion in life and life will continue to reward you with amazing surprises.