“Do what you love” is an adage. While some perceive this as wisdom, there’s much packed into these 4 words.
- Doing... Neither being or becoming, it’s all action.
- What, without regard to other questions, like how. (Is this actually advice?)
- You, while seemingly self-evident, also neglects the structure of the sentence. It’s a command. A potential power dynamic.
- Love, while the source of most goodness in this world, forgets about likes, experiments, or necessities.
And yet. I dance. I write. I run. All loves, yes. And now all regular parts of my schedule, thanks to finally doing what I love.
It’s the progressive, doing, that makes all the difference in the clause above. It implies not just action but accountability. Joining a group. Becoming a member. Am I there yet? Who’s to say.
If dance matters to me, then I’ll find a way to make the time (read: money and commitment) to keep dancing.
When I decide something is Essentially Kaylie ™️, I own it. Sometimes, it takes setting well-defined goals. Other times, it’s redefining what I need and want. They’re not always the same. Kinda like cliches: They may feel about your lived experiences, but they’re not for you. You decide what you need, regardless of what the fortune cookie, card, or even blog post(!) says.
Over to you: Any unexpected (or expected!) lessons from leaning into changes, goals, or habits?