Following your passions...stressful but fulfilling

I know, I know.  I have been absent for much longer than my usual week between blogs.  It is that time of the semester...the end...the hectic craziness of multiple papers, projects, etc. due all within two weeks...well...one week.  And...of course, my kids are sick...because, why wouldn't they be?

But, to be honest, even in all the craziness, I am enjoying the buzz.  The feeling of accomplishment and growth that come from completing real research proposals...ones that I may actually elaborate on and carry out...and of figuring out stats work by hand and my answers being fairly close to the computerized answers.  To sit in some of my classes and soak up the information, not just because I need it to pass the test, but because I am truly interested in what is being said.  I really can't complain.  I am enjoying this more than I thought I would....and for once, feel like I am actually getting something substantial out of school  (if only I didn't have to pay thousands upon thousands of dollars to do so.)

Basically, I found my path, my passion, my calling.  I know, I know...cliche...but, so very, very true.  I can't imagine any other choice for me as a person and professional in which I find so many different facets where I think "I could see myself doing that."  I can't imagine anything else that would spark the constant flurry of motivation and ambition I feel on a weekly basis.  Don't get me wrong...I don't love everything about it and I certainly am not so motivated that I have kicked my procrastination habit...but, I can see the end AND how most of what I am doing can lead to ends that I believe I will not only enjoy, but thrive in and provide services/ideas/etc. that make real change on an individual or systemic level.  And that makes me so grateful.  I feel lucky to have found my niche, my path, and to have the opportunity to follow it (and to do so while also raising a family and following yet another path of passion simultaneously.)

It's not always easy and it's not always interesting.  Sometimes...most times...I'm stressed and tired and feel as if I'm dragging myself along.  But, when I step back and take a minute to really look at it outside of that stress and exhaustion, I'm so happy I'm here, in this place in my life, and I can't imagine being as content and fulfilled in any other possible place or situation.

What have you done that even through the difficult path of completion you've enjoyed?   Have you, like me, been able to find a path that sparks your interest, your passion?  If you have, do you feel that you get more accomplished and attempt more of the "impossible" than you would have (or have in the past) in areas in which you are less interested/passionate?  If you have not found that path, are you trying to find it, trying to follow your passions in some way or form? or have you given up?  What would it take in your life to inspire you to try to find that path?