PASSION

How do you define it?
pas·sion (pash-uh n) n.

1. A powerful emotion, such as love, joy, hatred, or anger

2. a. Ardent love

    b. The object of such love or desire

3. a. Boundless enthusiasm 
    b. The object of such enthusiasm


So, there it is. Mirriam-Webster has put it in black and white for you. If you believe everything you read.

I saw a film recently about an 85 year old sushi master, Jiro Ono, who lives in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. He owns a ten seat sushi restaurant with no menu, no appetizers, no alcohol. Just sushi. 
The film was easy to watch- not just because I love sushi & it was beautifully filmed, but because it really struck a chord in me. Jiro's work is his passion- but in a unique way. 
 
"I've never once hated this job. I fell in love with my work and gave my life to it. Even though I'm eighty five years old, I don't feel like retiring. That's how I feel."

My life is different that Jiro's. He worked every day from 6 am until 11 pm and never saw his children. Once when his restaurant was closed for a national holiday, his children ran to their mother, screaming, "mama, there's a strange man sleeping in your bed!" I am thankful that my children have not suffered the same experience. In every other way, however, I feel the same as Jiro. I truly fell in love with my work when I was 18. Being creative, working with my hands, working with people, and always having room to improve, explore, learn....what more could someone ask for? It was, and continues to be, infinitely rewarding.

"I do the same thing over and over, improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more. I'll continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is." 

How true is that statement? No one knows where the top is. I never grow bored of endless conversations with Ryan and Liz about alpha cellulose and PH and debating about the superiority of the chemical makeup of conservation boards (we spent an hour in a conservator's office last week attempting to settle that argument). Each day I am faced with yet another opportunity to do what I love....alongside my talented staff, who share the same passions as I. Could a girl be luckier?
I think not.

"Once you decide on your occupation... you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That's the secret of success... and is the key to being regarded honorably"  -Jiro Ono