Of Love

Of Love

There are a few books that blow you away in life. For me, one of these is "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Early on it notes that the latin root of the word amateur comes from the word love; to do something for love. It reminded me that qualifying as an amateur, as opposed to a professional, is quite noble, indeed.

I'm guilty of always trying to monetize my ideas and interests, and I think a lot of people are in our culture. Too often we assume a person needs to "do something with skill x" in the professional realm to legitimize his or her interests. Oh you can cook? Why not open a restaurant? If you like to write then you should publish a book. Since you're so good with kids you should go back for teaching. How will you take your blog pro?

We're overly obsessed with making a stream of income out of every interest we have. As if each action we fill our day with needs to get us closer some lofty professional goal to make it worthwhile. Well poo poo on that, says I.

I've decided to look into taking cooking classes in my local community college's culinary arts program. I've always loved food, from as far back as I can remember. Why not pay to hone my skills, for the simple goal of pleasing myself and those enjoying meals with me? Culinary arts program, here I come to pillage your information stockpile and rain down on my kitchen.

I'm finally going to read the manual to my fancy-pants camera so I can take better shots for myself, and no other reason.

And I'm going to analyze less and post more on this blog. Who cares if anyone reads it besides me-from-the-future?