Elizabeth Gilbert once stood at the peak of the world with the book Eat, Pray, Love.
But also from that peak, she fell freely.
People demanded the next novel to be worthy.
But Gilbert couldn't write a single word.
Not because of lack of talent.
It's because the old flame of passion has gone out.
Gilbert didn't try to find back her passion for writing.
Instead, she followed the only thing that still had some energy:
a small basil plant in the garden.
She started gardening.
Feeling curious.
Feeling alive again.
And from that fresh energy, she continued writing —
a completely different novel.
Passion is the result, not the starting point.
We often hear the advice:
“Find your passion and pursue it.”
Sounds good.
But wrong in order.
You don't find passion right from the start.
You create it,
after you've walked far enough, long enough.
Passion doesn't appear when you first start,
but when you start getting better.
When the things you do gradually have meaning.
This series of writings you are reading did not emerge from your initial passion.
It's the reward of staying long enough,
even if you don't know where you're going.
Don't sit waiting for passion to appear.
You will wait forever.
Energy is the most reliable compass.
You don't need a fancy title.
No need for a final answer.
Just ask yourself:
“What makes me feel energized?”
Energy is the clearest signal from within you.
It doesn't lie.
It doesn't care about the image you present.
It only cares about:
Your heart beats faster.
Your eyes light up.
You can do it without needing... a cup of coffee.
Passion can sometimes mislead you.
But energy does not.
If every time you do something,
you feel drained —
you may have taken a wrong turn.
Energy is a lively compass.
It doesn't give you the full map.
But always signals whether you are heading in the right direction or not.
Pursuing energy is a mindful way of living
Choosing according to energy is not easy.
Nor is it superficial.
On the contrary —
it requires you to let go of external definitions of success.
To start living mindfully from within.
You don't need to answer the “big question” about life right now.
You just need to ask:
Does this make me light up?
Am I having to force it?
What am I trying to prove?
Pursuing energy is taking the driver's seat of life.
It's not the societal steering wheel set for you.
You don't need to know exactly who you are.
You just need to follow what makes you feel alive.
Don't try to find passion.
It's not a hidden treasure.
It's the reward of being true to yourself.
Follow the trail of energy.
It might lead you to a tiny basil plant.
Or an unanswered question.
There, you haven't found anything clear.
That's okay.
At least, you are alive.
Truly.
