Passion vs. ObsessioN

Posted: January 6, 2011 at 8:01 pm

Evening, friends! I had a doctor appointment this afternoon. I’m officially 38 weeks pregnant now. Baby B is apparently sitting pretty low and I have progressed to 2 cm dilated. Those are good signs things are happening a little, teeny, tiny bit…but still doesn’t mean much in terms of me going into labor soon. We can keep praying and hoping its sooner rather than later though!

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Moving on. You all know how much I love the Fit Blog Chats. I didn’t get to participate this week because I spent Tuesday night chilling with my sister, but the topic intrigued me. I couldn’t go without sharing my thoughts on the 4 chat questions. So, here they are! Given by Poise in Parma!

Q1) Do you call yourself a "blogger"? Do you think there�s a negative connotation to the term? Or do you "own it"?

I most certainly call myself a “blogger” and I most certainly own it! I love love love blogging and it has become such a huge part of my life. I will tell anyone and everyone about my blog. When you love something so much, you can’t help but blab about it. Just like how I can’t help but brag about my little M any chance I get.

I think some people have a negative connotation about bloggers. I know I’ve heard some view points that bloggers are “self-indulgent” or not true writers. I’ve never really encountered that personally. Most of the people I know don’t quite “get it”. They don’t understand the work I put into this baby and the fact that it is more than just an online journal.

Q2) What is another topic or activity that you feel passionate about?

My family!!! I want the best for them and will do all I can within my power to provide for them and love them. I will do whatever it takes to nourish them – emotionally, spiritually, physically, etc.

Fitness. Working out and pursuing fitness-related goals give me so much drive. I couldn’t imagine life without them.

My church/faith. I want to serve any way I can in my church that also helps develop me as an individual. That is why I find such passion in leading an adult Sunday School class.

Q3) How does your passion influence your "every day"? Is your passion also your career? Is it a struggle to fit it in your schedule?

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I feel very fortunate that my life honestly revolves around all of my passions. My “every day” life includes mothering Makenzie, supporting/loving my husband, making time for God, working on this blog, and soon enough pursuing fitness goals. I thank God for where He has put me so far in life, surrounded with such blessings and a life I truly love. I can’t wait to see where else it leads. I know even brighter things! That’s why I’m SO excited for this year. I just have a gut feeling about it.

Q4) Has that "passion" ever turned into "obsession"? What were your warning signs you crossed the line?

Well, my fitness passion crossed the line years ago when the only thing I could focus on was how I looked, what size I was, or fitting in workouts. As for blogging, when I did the 30 Days of Self-Love in September, I got discouraged when the participation didn’t remain as high as the initial days. I started spending way too much time thinking and worrying over stats. I got over it though because I remembered the original purpose of the movement and stopped trying to control it. Ever since then, I just do my thing and let my blog grow naturally. No obsession.

I think the biggest warning sign for me is when I can’t have balance. When I find one of my passions overtaking others for an extended period of time, I know I need to refocus myself. When I don’t have time for something else I value, then I have to stop and consider how I’m spending my time and energy. Usually that is enough to center myself and lose the obsession.

Question of the Evening – What are some of your passions? Do you have time to pursue them? Have they ever crossed over into obsession for you?

Stay tuned for a giveaway coming tomorrow morning!!! And don’t forget to enter the $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway still going on HERE.

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60 Comments to “Passion vs. ObsessioN”
  1. Congrats!! My friend was 2 cm dilated on Christmas and went into labor 2 days later 🙂

  2. Wow, these are some great questions.

    For me, blogging can be an online journal, but is also about community, focusing myself on goals, and finding inspiration.

    One of my big goals this year is to really take steps to go for my dreams and pursue my passions. I have a huge passion for: science and healthcare, exercise (even just my little swims now, the mental health benefits of exercise are so important in my life), reading, and dogs!

    This year I really want to get back into healthcare, at least volunteering-wise, and work on my career with that. I am happy that last year I started volunteering for a dog rescue and that has brought me so much joy. And I am working on an historical fiction novel and really just letting myself enjoy the pleasure of reading without feeling guilty.

    Okay, too much info! Perhaps I got a little self-indulgent on the question… 😉 But good reflection!

  3. I always am embarrassed to admit I have a blog to others. I don’t know why, but I think it’s because I’m afraid they’ll think I’m obsessive… or then I fear they’ll want to READ my blog. Most of the time, people ask me to send them the addy, and I mostly “forget” to give it to them. I figure if they really wanted to learn about running, they’d eventually find me on Google!

    In spite of this attitude, I still get thousands of page views a month. So I guess I’d rather reveal myself to the anonymous-es out there than the “IRL” peopel… go figure.

  4. Great questions! Well, gaining health (as opposed to losing weight) has been my biggest passion for the past two years. I’ve moved into being a blogger, and yes, I embrace the term. It’s not my primary role in life, but it’s definitely important. If it weren’t important to me, I wouldn’t do it.

  5. Astrid says:

    I think that a passion is something that brings you immense joy, but that you can also walk away from for a day or two without wanting to shoot yourself or someone else. Cooking is that way for me. I love to do it, but I can go on vacation and let other people do the cooking for a few days. Exercise use to be an obsession for me. Going a day without it seemed absurd, terrifying, unhearad of. These days, I still have trouble, but doing some stretching makes me feel like I’ve gotten my “exercise”.
    People are going to think you are weird, no matter what. But if you really can’t go a day or an hour without something, then there might be a problem.
    Here’s the thing. We are multidimensional as people. Therefore, one thing should never define us.

  6. Jenn (GH) says:

    I sort of wrote about passion and obsession today. In a roundabout way.

    Fitness is not really a true passion of mine. I know. I really like it and I’m good at it but I can’t say it’s gets my heart all stirred up unless I’m doing sand sprints. 😉 I am passionate about seeing other people suceed. I suppose I’m passionate about the experiencial part of fitness but the biological part? Snore.

    My true passion is creating. I love to act, write, dance, direct, paint, out and simply think outside the box regarding our lives decisions.

    • Jenn (GH) says:

      Oh yeah. I own “blogger”. I may not make a living but it’s a big part of my life so why not own it. People who say it’s not real writing need to get with the century. I’m not saying every blogger is a good writer but they are still writers.

  7. Angela says:

    Oooh good questions Tina! Fitness is a huge passion of mine. I’ve always been active, except for the time during my teenage years when I gained far too much weight while adjusting to living in the Middle East. It was a passion I re-discovered on my own when I decided to take control of my health and my self-esteem definitely rose because of it. Other passions of mine are my friends and people I love, food (oh I could go on forever!!) and now, blogging!

  8. I think I have a blurry line between passion and obsession-in regards to my fiance, dog, exercise, and premium denim….very random!
    I’m passionate about food but def try not to get too obsessed!

  9. I definitely call myself a blogger and own it 😉 I’m so proud of this community I’ve become a part of. My passion are definitely healthy cooking and exercise. Can they become obsession? Quite possibly. Sometimes I keep striving for cleaner, healthier eating and forget to just stop and enjoy. Life’s too short to skip out on an M&M at the movies or pizza and beer!

  10. a) you look fantastic! i’ll be thinking positive dilating thoughts! (hope that’s not too invasive 🙂 )

    b) i think i’ve only begun to OWN my blog in the last year or so, though i’ve had it for forever! it’s part of who i am at this point, so i figure i might as well share it with my real friends/family.

  11. Yay! He is almost here! I never call myself a blogger, but I tell people I blog. I am definitely not ashamed of it. If someone is going to judge me for it, then I don’t need to be associated with them. I am not much of a labeler. I am a mom, but I don’t refer to myself as one when I speak to people. I am passionate about family, fitness, food and blogging.

  12. I totally own the term “blogger”. It felt funny at first, but I’ve been doing it for so long, I act like it’s no thing… 🙂

  13. My first passion would be eating healthy, in a way that makes me feel my best and fuels my body and my days. In high school and early college it turned into an obsession when I thought fat was evil and wouldn’t touch anything that had fat. Now, I have a healthy relationship with food and enjoy all foods in moderation. Although I mainly eat very healthy, I refuse to deprive myself anymore!

    That’s such a beautiful photo of you and your family! My family is another one of my passions as well 🙂

    Happy to hear the appt. went well!

  14. Love all of your answers! I’m not embarrassed at all to say I have a blog 🙂 Please are always so interested!

  15. lindsay says:

    oh come on baby B, mama needs some wine. hehe!
    I think passion can easily turn into obsession when it rules your life and your actions. Great post!
    LC

  16. Michelle says:

    I just announced my blog on FB tonight. I just entered into this wide world of blogging and I was a little hesitant. I’m happy to get myself out there though. I love sharing my thoughts and just writing in general.

    You look AMAZING for 38 weeks…and too funny my B is “Braeden” and I really wanted to name my daughter Mackenzie, but I got vetoed (it’s Olivia nn Livie instead). I hope you have your little B soon!

    • Tina says:

      That’s so crazy!!! And I bet people you know will be excited to check out your blog. I was surprised to see how much support I get from friends, family, etc.

  17. I definitely call myself a blogger and own it big time. I don’t care what people think, and although I definitely have some family and friends who don’t get it, plenty of people are supportive of my endeavor and its fun and my “me time” every day. It really has become special to me and I’m proud of my little ol’ blog! 🙂

  18. Lee says:

    It has taken me a very long time to own the term blogger. I don’t know why but for a long time, I was sort of embarrassed about it and didn’t tell any of my “real life” friends. Now they mostly all know and they all like the blog.

  19. chelsey says:

    I am totally proud of being a blogger. At first, I was a closet blogger, but I found once I just told people about it, my blog grew into something I couldn’t have even imagined! I have grown as a writer and as a person because of it.

    I am such a passionate person, so it’s easy for my interests to become obsessions. It’s always good to refocus myself!

  20. Holly says:

    Passions: Life, Pursuing Ministry (specifically Missions with my Hubs), Animals (I am unhealthily obsessed with our dog), and family (to name a few!)
    Just wanted to stop in to try to convince baby B to come soon! I want you to be able to feel more “normal” as soon as possible, and I really just want to see pictures of his adorable little face.

  21. Heather says:

    You look fantastic!!! You’re so close! 🙂
    I’m a passionate person, too. Food and fitness used to be an obsession and the only thing I could focus on. Luckily I’ve learned how to balance the 2 and live my life a lot happier now.

  22. I would love to one day “own” the term blogger, but I’ve only been blogging for about a week now! I feel like I’m doing a good job at it, though… but I think it takes time to really get to be a part of the blogging community. Reading all sorts of blogs and commenting on them really makes me feel a part of the blogging group, though.

    Anywho! Some of my passions are running, reading (knowledge is power!), good food and of course, spending time with the ones I love. I think having these things as a part of each day helps keep me balanced.

    • Tina says:

      It does take time! I would say I’ve only felt REALLY involved in the community and more like a “blogger” in the past 6 months even. I come up on my 1 year blog birthday in 2 weeks from today.

      The energy is worth it though!

  23. Sounds like you’re getting closer to Baby B, and I had my guess set for tomorrow. So Baby B- GET MOVIN’!!!

    As for my passion it is baking, which I finding hard to pursue unless its a holiday or special occassion. Family/friends get a festive/themed cake for their special days!

  24. I keep checking twitter every day to see if you dont post anything in hopes that you have gone into labor but nope 🙂 Oh well, hopefully soon!

    When I tell people I have a blog, they all respond with “Really?!” “That’s cool” “Whats the address?” and things along those lines, nothing negative ever.

  25. I have a few passions- one being family as well, the other music, and the last one being health. I try to balance them all, but I’m working on doing it better 🙂

  26. Jennifer Rahn says:

    Congrats on 2 cm! You must be feeling optimistic. Given ALL OF THE OTHER SIGNS that you mentioned in your post the other day, I’m giving you a three-day outside limit on labor. I’ll be praying for you.

    I’m 37 weeks today, and am feeling a ton of pressure and some strange movements. I’ve got my internal check tomorrow, and I’ll keep you posted. I’m not thinking that I’ll go before 39 weeks, though. Addie was born at 38 weeks, 5 days last time, and Baby H is measuring exactly the same size as she was at the 36-week ultrasound. I have a feeling that they’ll be born around the same time. Addison was due on August 27th and born on August 22nd. Baby H is due on January 27th, so I’m expecting him around the 23rd or 24th. 🙂

  27. Melodie says:

    My biggest passions right now are teaching my boys how to have a relationship with the Lord (which is a hard thing to teach!), running, and healthy cooking. I love to cook and run and teach!

    I was very obsessed with exercise at one time in my life… and obsessed with cutting out certain food groups in order to lose weight.

    Thank goodness for FREEDOM 🙂

  28. i just started my blog a week ago, so i’m just getting into this blogger thing, but i haven’t really told anyone i know in “real life” except my sister and my fiance. i would totally support anyone who told me they were starting one, but i’m still nervous to tell people! i think i’ll get over that a little once i’ve proved to myself that i can keep it up! 🙂

    anyway, yay for 2 cm dilated! i hope baby b hurries up!

  29. Mandy says:

    You are so cute!! C’mon baby B! 🙂

    My passions…

    Photography… also my profession but has definitely become an obsession 😉 I have to make myself stop working sometimes so I don’t forget about other things important to me.

    My Family. 🙂

    Fitness. It has definitely been an obsession in the past… but I do think it has gotten more well rounded since I started a family 🙂

  30. I participated in this FitChat and I LOVED it. Such great questions, and I LOVE your answers. 😀

  31. That is so exciting about little baby B!!! I can’t wait to meet him!

  32. Im so excited for you to have the baby! I cant imagine how excited you are! Glad things are progressing . . . maybe he’ll come sooner than you’re expecting?

    My passions . . . running for sure. But other than that, I really dont know. I mean, I WANT to be a teacher, and I feel like once I finally get there, that will be it. But other than that, I dont really have anything. It used to be horseback riding, but after I sold my horse, I just couldnt stick with it.

  33. Rochel says:

    I agree, if you love something OWN IT.

  34. carlee says:

    Your family is so beautiful! I miss lookin at your blog girl!
    Some of my passions are health, creating healthy foods, blogging, photography and God! I try to make time for all of them! One thing I have pushed out of the way is God but BABY…he is back! lol

  35. Tina, I’m so excited for you and the new baby! It’s been a pleasure reading your thoughts, rants, raves and experiences during the past few months. Can you remind me when you’re due? Two weeks?

    My past obsessions have made me passionate about showing others that living physically, spiritually and emotionally healthy lives doesn’t have to be a struggle. I want to help them see past the promises that the diet industry makes, to think for themselves and not become victims of societal pressures. I thoroughly enjoy blogging for that reason, especially because it provides an opportunity to engage in thought-provoking conversations about these topics. (And yes, I OWN the “blogger” title!)

    I’d also say that I’m passionate about cooking and culinary traditions. It may have once been an obsession, but now it brings me so much joy! It’s both therapeutic and fun!

    • Tina says:

      Officially due in just under 2 weeks, but the original date was on this coming Tuesday. I’m hoping he’s closer to that date!

  36. Stephanie says:

    I’m not ready to call myself a blogger yet but writing is a passion of mine and the blogging forum is perfect for me right now because its both therapeutic and allows me to make connections with people that I normally wouldn’t in my day to day life.

    My other passions are #1 my kids and my family and then a close second would be health and nutrition.

  37. Camille says:

    My goodness, still no baby!?
    I have been a horrible blog reader this week since I have been exhausted from school, but I purposely dropped by thinking I would see baby photos! No luck.
    I hope he comes in the next day or two!

  38. Kacy says:

    I think I’m pretty good at avoiding obsessions. I’ve been obsessed with weight loss before, but it was short-lived and it’s gone now. I think I’m pretty balanced with my passions.

    Count down to late Tuesday night! I’m SURE I’m going to be right about when you go into labor 😉

  39. Kelly says:

    I loved blogging but I had to stop because it crossed that line into obsession and it started to affect my relationship with my friends and husband. It started every sentence with, “on this blog I read….” or “I my blog I want to…” and I stopped living my REAL life. You want me to go to the movies? What? No..I have to blog…it became ridiculous. I miss it sometimes but I know that it is better for me to just be a blog reader versus a blogger.

  40. let’s see…passions are definitely God, family, food, writing, and exercise. Pretty simple, but they all bring me such joy!

  41. Right now, my passion is being the best wife and mommy I can be. Some days are harder than others, but the payoff is amazing 🙂

  42. I love the black & white picture of y’all 😀

  43. Fitness Competition Prep days for sure turned me into an obsessive beast! I cringe at that time in my life, I was so different and let something so silly take over my life. Now I feel quite balanced with things, yet still feel every day stressors like anyone else with a busy life.

  44. You look so cute!!

    I would say one of my passions is blogging! And I love calling myself a blogger! I think sometimes I can be obsessive and I’m sure I drive my husband crazy, but luckily he is so wonderful about it and supports it 100%!

  45. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alicia Hansen, Jack Sh*t and Tina Reale. Tina Reale said: Passion vs. ObsessioN: Evening, friends! I had a doctor appointment this afternoon. I’m officially 38 weeks preg… http://bit.ly/hwMtyx […]

  46. Holly says:

    you have SUCH an amazing outlook and attitude – keep on, keepin’ on girl!!!

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