I’m a firm believer in the importance of loving what you do, because not everyone will have the opportunity to do so.

As I grew older, I discovered I was itching to be a part of the movers and shakers of the world, to make a difference in the biggest way I could. In a matter of years, I made the decision to do whatever it would take to be who and what I wanted to be. I recently, however, realized the profound effect money and the inherent accompanying greed can have on the choices we make.

During the impressionable elementary school years, we were told that each and every one of us had the potential to do anything we desired. To an extent it’s true, but as the ways of the world become more and more apparent, we’re indoctrinated with the belief that, contrary to the popular saying, money does buy happiness. With each passing year, dreams of being a painter or singer are shut down by societal pressures to be “more than a starving artist.” Not only is it untrue, but it’s painful to hear that what you love doesn’t measure up to another person’s standards. It certainly doesn’t have to be this way, and the lucky group who have a loyal adherence to their passion know this like no other.

Finding your passion is a bit like love at first sight, minus the awkward dinner. It ignites a fire in you that changes the way you tackle every situation, and can give you an entirely new outlook. When you come to this realization, it has nothing to do with money and everything to do with doing all you can to achieve your dream. The biggest misconception is that what you’re passionate about can’t be what someone else might consider a hobby or a fad. For one person, an afternoon dance class could be their way of sweating out the stress of the work week, and for another, just the next step towards Broadway.

In short, it’s really all about perspective, and having an open mind. It is, admittedly, easy to get caught up in the wave of whom I affectionately refer to as the “nine-to-fivers,” and surrender to a lifestyle that was never really “you” because it’s just easier to concede than to move against the current. But, I can promise you that there’s an incomparable feeling of freedom in discovering what makes you feel alive.

Much like the guy who chose to live out of his Prius for a year, your friends might be a bit surprised when you are up and leave with all of your belongings to photograph 365 sunsets or summit Denali, but they’ll adjust. Whether you’re a thrill seeker, the next Mark Twain or an up and coming sous chef, go ahead, get out there and most importantly, do it with passion.