Follow your passion

"No matter what others think you should do or become, you must always follow your passion, and your passion only"
p21 The Angel Inside by Chris Widener

I love the story that is "the Angel Inside" of why and how il Gigante was created and by whom, and why this story is so relevant to everyone today.

Michelangelo went against his father's wishes. His father wanted him to become a merchant, but Michelangelo wanted to follow his passion - and be an artist. I think you would agree Michelangelo was correct in doing so.

* Are you doing what you love to do?
* Do you wake every day and long to begin the tasks that will fulfil your dreams and ambitions?
* Do you lay awake at night excited at what lies ahead?

Or are you the opposite

* Are you doing things because someone told you you should?
* Do you go to work not for the pleasure it brings but because it's a job and you need the money?
* Are you studying a subject that holds no joy for you - because it was someone else's suggestion of what might be a good career move?

But what do I mean by living your life "without wax"

It is often stated that the word sincere is derived from the Latin sine = without, cera = wax. According to one popular explanation, dishonest sculptors in Rome or Greece would cover flaws in their work with wax to deceive the viewer; therefore, a sculpture "without wax" would mean honesty in its perfection.

If you apply that principle to your own life, are you being sincere or are you hiding under a layer or two of wax?

As we are nearing the end of yet another year, now perhaps is a good a time as any to determine if you are living honestly or whether you need to make some changes.