I tell this to all of my high school seniors who come in for portraits.  I feel like this isn't spoken enough about, because it was something that wasn't discussed with me until I was a senior in college.  You heard that right...senior in COLLEGE!

Find something you are passionate about, that you feel so excited to get up in the morning to go do all day, that you can't stop smiling.  The thing that makes your soul sing and heart dance.  

"But Carrie that isn't realistic.  It's just not an option for me(or some people). ________Insert whoever you think that It won't work for here."

That is the statement most of the time that is followed by my advice.  But I'm gonna tell you, if following into something because you feel obliged to do so, pressured to go in a direction, or that the money is better.  You will in the end....fail.  You won't make the money, you won't build the life of your dreams.  You will have gone down a road that will eventually make you unhappy.

I mean, I am sure it has worked out for some, so don't get me wrong.  If you are reading this and go, "well that is just nonsense Carrie Stadelman, you aren't right."  And I will tell you, that ya, I am probably wrong for a lot of people.

BUT

What about the people that I'm right for?  What about the people who follow their passion in this life.  I can almost guarantee they are following their purpose on this planet.  We are each given a specific purpose to why we are here.  We are tasked from the start with a special and meaningful reason why God chose to put us here.  Why should be deny that? Just because it's thought this job doesn't make as much money.  FOOEY!  

If you are passionate about something, you WILL find a way to make a living out of it, and you WILL grow into a happier person, who then WILL live the life of their dreams.  See how it all plays together?  

So my advice for anyone who wonders how I(or anyone has passion and energy everyday) is to follow your passions.  Even if its not something that you make a living at, but something you do everyday or week that makes you happy.  You will find the happiness that you seek, the passion and the purpose.  I know that will all of my soul.  

Ya wanna know how I know that? Well thats part of my purpose and I feel it DEEP in my soul!  

So I hope today, you go out and find something that makes you so unapologetically happy that you find yourself waking up in the morning joyful and ready to take on the day!