Monday, January 12, 2009

Passion or Obsession?

So what the heck is going on people? So how do I break into this new year with a fresh question? Not really sure myself so I decided to take a look at what MY interests are in life. What I discovered was that I do not have much that I sit on the fence about. Meaning, I tend to go 'all in'. I look at the sports teams I like and realize I could easily be considered a Fan-atic! When I like an Musical Artist or band I tend to really find all the music they have ever made. When I fall in love with a writer or new TV series(or old) I want to read/watch everything ever done.

So I was going to write about my passions in life. You know, the passions that would not reveal TOO much about me and would not cause anyone to blush either. Anyway, I started thinking that maybe obsession could be deemed a more appropriate descriptor in some or these categories.

This is what I found online:

Passion is defined as: a: the emotions as distinguished from reason b: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c: an outbreak of anger d: ardent affection : love e: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept f: an object of desire or deep interest

Obsession is defined as a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling ; broadly : compelling motivation

So I don't know, maybe Passion is still okay. Spouse I think would say in some cases I definitely have a 'disturbing preoccupation' so I guess the jury is out and I will have to just watch myself closer. The last thing I want is to be considered 'Obsessive'.

And so that brings up the question of the week. Take a look at the things you consider yourself passionate about. Then look at the above definitions. Is it really a passion or are you acting obsessive? It almost can be how you perceive things through your own prism of view. So probably you will not come clean about anything you are obsessive about.

Well here's mine: Of all the things I am passionate about there is one thing that I always question myself about. And that is music. All kinds of music. I think I have stated it before, but I have several dedicated storage devices dedicated to storing my music. But it's not just a few favorites. I am constantly increasing my collection from music I grew up with. But I am also always looking for new music. When I hear something I like I want it. And I find a way to get it. So yeah, I think this may be borderline, but guess what? I don't think I will stop listening to music or not wanting music I like but I think it causes me to just step back and make sure I don't let myself get carried away with it. Anymore than I already have anyway. haha

So what are your passions/obsessions? Can you recognize the difference? And are they healthy and under control or do they control you? Just something to think about.

15 comments:

Ronda's Rants said...

I am passionate about travel but I think lack of funds keeps it from becoming an obsession! :)
I think maybe asking someone who loves me this question about me might give me more insight!

Anonymous said...

Well, that changes a few things for me. I thought this whole time I was Passionate about blogging. Turns out it really is an obsession.

Sorry I have not stalked you in a while got a little caught up in the Holiday stuff.

Rhonda said...

I am passionate about soccer! I could be bordering on obsessive, I suppose too! lol And blogging has definitely brought out my obsessive nature, also.

Rhonda said...

I don't think I obsess about anything. I am passionate about things like my family and my kids, etc but I think that's a healthy thing...at least, for a mom it is!

I don't think I do anything overboard. At least **I** don't think so!

EmmaP said...

nice post. but even "passions" need to be "bridled", eh?

Writing is a passion for me. It doesn't even really matter in what form or forum, as long as i am doing it. It can be blogging, writing essays, speeches, stories for my children, poetry, etc. Heck - if I got a job writing for a catalog (like one of my "heroes" Elaine Benis) I would even love that. So, that is one of my passions. I like the word "conviction" when it comes to passion. If someone were to challenge me on my "passion", how would I react? What would I say? How would I defend it? I think if it is truely a passion, it manifests itself through our convictions about it. I can say, with conviction that I love writing. It affords me the ability to put on paper my rampant thought in hopes to somehow sort them all out. I can also say that writing brings me comfort; it calms the storm. I can share my sorrows or pen my hopes and dreams. And if I want a happy ending, I can create one through writing. Writing heals me. Writing inspires me. Writing, in part, defines me. Whatever the case, writing is a part of me as I it. Perhaps you could say the same thing about music?

On the other hand, I can get sucked into something like HGTV decorating shows. I *LOVE* watching them. But - can I defend the shows after I have been sitting in bed all stinking day, neglecting my chores, my dog and my kids? I like the "disturbing preoccupation" definition. Watching those shows are an obsession because I cannot defend them with nearly as much conviction as I can my writing. Thus, leading me to face the truth that it is more or less a "distrubing preoccupation."

however, that isn't to say that sometimes we are obsessed with our passions. I mean we can be passionate about or for something, without letting it govern our lives. There have certainly been times I have been busy pounding away on my laptop and little children nearby asking "how much longer?" before they get my attention.

So, i suppose it goes back to bridling our passions then, doesn't it?

well crap! i didn't mean to carry on like that. great topic! see what you've started???

Melissa B. said...

I'm passionate about my family and my life. Plain & Simple.

Melissa said...

Not much passion, but a lot of obsession here. And that leads me to the comment I really wanted to make: I love the photo of you! Blair Witch Project is one of my favorite movies ever. I watched it over and over again. I mean, when it was over, I rewinded it and started watching again! See, obsessive. And compulsive. And pathetic.

Becky W. said...

I think I just figured out that my so-called passions are really obsessions. I am passionate about raising my family, but become obsessed with little things that suck up my time from taking care of them. Like blogging, for instance!

tiki_lady said...

I obsess over family and control. Thank you for the blog love even though I haven't been good at giving it out. Life has been a bit crazy. But, I dedicated an hour to commenting to my peeps who left a comment on my last 4 posts.

SabrinaT said...

I know it sounds lame but my children! And, music. I could not survive without it...

petra michelle; Whose role is it anyway? said...

Interesting, that fine line between passion and obsession. I have many passions; it's just my nature. But I am obsessive about film and writing. Since they're my job, I suppose the passion leading to obsession would be the nature of the beast.
Happy New Year, Blog Stalker!

Ronnica said...

My biggest passion is definitely for the Lord. Beyond that, I'm passionate about learning/teaching and writing/reading. If I was obsessed with something, it'd probably be organization!

Tulsi said...

I could be obsessed with reading. I can't really call it a passion unless it was a particular book or author. But I just have to have a book in hand or I go nutty.

Mike said...

I feel a passion to balance out all the estrogen flowing here. I obsessed with my dog, my guns, and ...... MY TRUCK!

I actually only have one of those three things.

Erin The Great said...

I agree with there being a fine line between 'Passion' & 'Obsession'. I have many passions and a few obsessions... Like I drink an obscene amount of Dr.Pepper. But I have a new obsession and it's a shallow one that will leave in a few weeks anyway. I am obsessed with The Bachelor and I want that good lookin boy to find himself a good woman... I find myself yelling at the TV screen when he hangs out with one of the Beast-Like women...

My Fun Stalkers Who Rock