The Importance of Passion

By Brian Samuels, A Thought For Food

Find something youre passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it. ? Julia Child

How true those words are. In 2010, when I left my job in film production to explore other opportunities, I was given a card by a coworker with this quote. These words now dangle over my desk at home and whenever I find myself questioning what Im doing with my career, I take solace in Julias sentiments. I am passionate about photography. When I pick up my camera and focus on an ingredient or a family or a couple about to get married, this is when I feel like Im in my element.

Being passionate about something is not always easy. But thats what elevates it from being merely a hobby. Its supposed to challenge us and force us to grow. When youre passionate about something, you endure such struggles because you stand behind what youre creating.

Julia Child, who would have turned 100 on August 15th, was relentless when it came to her work in the kitchen. Watching videos of Julia and reading her cookbooks it becomes clear just how passionate she was. No falter or mistake would stop her. And thats something we should all live by, especially when it comes to our work. Be passionate, stay interested and dont let anything or anyone stop you from pursuing your dream.

Brian Samuels is a Boston-based event and food photographer and writer. He is the creator of the food blog A Thought For Food, a collection of recipes, personal anecdotes and historical information pertaining to cooking. His work has been featured in Saveur, Improper Bostonian, Edible Boston, and TheKitchn.

You can find Brian at his website A Thought For Food, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.