By In this final article of her 4-part miniseries with Muslim Girl, the straight-shooting Nida Siddiq talks passion, and the pursuit of figuring out what truly brings you joy in life.
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What are you passionate about?
Recently, I was asked this question during a collaboration and it really got me thinking. I remember taking those ridiculous online quizzes numerous times trying to figure it out, only to then realize that these were nothing but a way to pass time. I just couldn’t figure out what my life’s passion was. I then did a poll to see how many people agreed with me, and to my surprise, 83% of my followers also felt the same way. They had no idea what they were truly passionate about. Once I saw the results, I honestly felt much better. Sometimes, when you know others are going through the same thing as you, you tend to find this sense of relief.
After doing this poll, I went into a state of self-development to see what I was doing with my life. What are my goals? I didn’t see a vision—at least not a clear one—until I realized that I don’t really have to have one thing, or “the” thing that I am passionate about. I can be passionate about a few things. Being multi-passionate is a talent in itself.
But in the process of nurturing our families, we forget to nurture ourselves. We forget that we can have a passion apart from our families.
I think, as women who are mothers and wives, we are all very passionate about our children, husbands, and families. But in the process of nurturing our families, we forget to nurture ourselves. We forget that we can have a passion apart from our families. When it comes to your life’s purpose or passion, there are many ways to look at it. Some might see their purpose as humanitarian work. Some might see it in their respective professions, and others might find it hidden within themselves.
Basically, passion is putting your heart, mind, body and soul into something more than you need to do so. Passion is doing what makes you happy!
I figured out my passion by trying out many different things.
I think that’s what led me to doing this blog. I figured out my passion by trying out many different things. I worked in real estate, taught Zumba, to now writing for websites and magazines. But unless I didn’t venture into these other avenues, I wouldn’t have discovered what I truly loved to do! So I will always be grateful for all my past jobs. Each one taught me something new and made me into who I am today.
I wish for my children to discover their life’s passion and understand that they can pursue it if they really want it! I want to teach them to not be afraid of accomplishing all their goals and being successful in all aspects of life.
If you allow yourself to pursue your curiosity, you will find yourself in the position of power and eventually, in the position to earn money on your terms. Just wait to see where life takes you. Remember, your timeline is yours.
Success comes to those who dedicate everything to their passion in life. To be successful, it is also very important to be humble and never let fame or money travel to your head. – A.R. Rahman.
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Editor’s note: Tryna to get those good deeds in for Ramadan? We’ve got you, bae!