Do what you love, love what you do

Life is too short not to do what makes you happy -- whether it's reading, writing, painting, dancing, fishing, diving, mall hopping, watching movies, preaching the Gospel, going to sporting events, traveling, playing catch with your kids, fixing cars, hitting up museums, and the like.

We've all heard the expression, "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."

I realize not all of us are fortunate enough to work in careers we love. Maybe we have to stay in our jobs to support our families. Perhaps we're at a point where starting over would mean going back to school, which isn't financially feasible. Or, chances are that what we love to do doesn't pay a livable wage.

Luckily, we can do what we love on the side while keeping our full-time job. Indulge your creative bent by writing on a freelance basis. Enroll in a painting or guitar class at your local community college. Use your time after work to finally get that pastry business you've been dreaming about off the ground. If you love animals, volunteer at a nearby animal shelter.

Here's something I want to ingrain in your mind: We are not beholden to any one employer. Just because you don't do what you love at work doesn't mean you can't do it at all; you simply have to carve out the time and pursue opportunities that will let you enjoy such hobbies and interests. No one is going to do this for you!

Life is too short not to make time for that which enriches your life. Don't tell yourself that you don't have the time to do it; we make time for what we really value.

Time is precious. It's the only commodity in life that we can't get back. That's why it's so important to make the most of it.

We want to look back on our lives and say that we lived it to the max. How do you do that? By not putting your hobbies and interests on the back burner. Work hard, but play hard as well.

Live the life you love, and love the life you live!

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