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The beauty of being an amateur
“You say ‘amateur’ as if it was a dirty word. ‘Amateur’ comes from the Latin word ‘amare’, which means to love. To do things for the love of it.”
Source: Mozart in the Jungle
This hit home for me. It felt like it was speaking directly to me.
As a kid, I always aimed to be the best at whatever I tried. I craved recognition for my efforts. And more often than not, I got it. But, when things didn’t come easily to me, I was giving up. Looking back, I realize it wasn’t the best approach. I stuck with what I knew I was good at, not necessarily what I truly enjoyed.
But as I’ve grown up, my perspective changed. I’ve discovered things I enjoyed that just feel right. I call them my ‘happy buttons’. They bring me joy and a sense of happiness. I lose myself in them. Am I amazing at them? Not really. Am I the best? Far from it. Will I ever be? Doubtful. But the happiness they bring me is undeniable. So I stick with them.
Allow me to reintroduce myself: I’m an amateur writer, surfer, dancer, and traveller. And I’ll keep adding to the list as long as I discover my ‘happy buttons’. There is no limit.
So tell me, what are you an amateur at? What are your happy buttons?