Healthy Chicks

[follow your own, unique path to success]

Yesterday, I worked at an event for VMware at the beautiful, spacious Boston Convention Center. I have always enjoyed working promotional events, socializing and meeting new people, so whenever I find time in my crazy schedule to make some extra money, I usually jump at it.

While surrounded by a bunch of intelligent “techies” for the day, I was actually able to have some great conversations  throughout the day, one in particular which made a strong impact on me.

As the event was winding down and I was working my last booth for the day, I struck up a meaningful conversation with one of the woman. While she was an attendee dressed in a stunning pencil skirt and heels, and I was just a “worker” wearing flats and holding up a sign, we were able to relate to each other.

She didn’t look down on me or treat me as a “kid” (even though I am years below her), but rather talked to me like a best girlfriend would. Blunt. Honest. Hilarious. She saw something in me.

When she asked me what I “do” I explained to her that I went to school for journalism, graduated at the worst time, then took on a few 9-5s before I decided to pursue my true passion for health and wellness. While normally people roll their eyes and judge my entrepreneurial ways when I tell them I’m a health coach/freelance writer/part time worker/student, she simply said “Good for you. I can tell you’re a free spirit.”

Then she continued. “And I’m going to be honest with you. It’s not about the money anyway. If you’re not enjoying your life, what’s the point? After all, if you are going after what you love and what you’re passionate about, the money will come anyway. You are doing what so many people want to do yet are afraid to admit”

She made me get goosebumps. That right there is just what I needed to reassure me that I’m taking the right path, that going after the life that I want rather than the life that I “need” is not only acceptable, but it’s just fabulous.

I mean, if you think about it, it’s quite simple. How could you not be successful (however that is you define successful) if you’re going after your dreams and living the life you want for yourself? If I am writing my little heart away, educating people to eat better, teaching women to be less critical of their bodies and nurture themselves with love, food, and faith, then I will be happy. Not to mention have a flexible lifestyle where I can work for myself and spend my free time taking care of myself and my family. And that right there? That is success to me.

Have you ever taken a huge career risk to go after something you were passionate about? What’s your take on finding (and following) your passion? Share your experiences here…