...and I plan on doing it the rest of my life
Lately, I've been feeling different about lifting--powerlifting to be specific. The first 3 years of lifting (powerlifting was my introduction to lifting), I was head over heels in love with this sport. I was infatuated even. My lust for the gym was insatiable, and I spread the good word with cult-like zeal and fervor.
However, my relationship with powerlifting has shifted, or perhaps it's simply evolved. I no longer consider powerlifting a "passion", nor does my entire life, being, and identity revolve around the sport. This isn't to say that I don't love powerlifting, believe me, I do. If anything my love for the sport has only grown over time.
A good friend, and fellow lifter, once told me that he wasn't passionate about lifting-- despite all of his success in bodybuilding and powerlifting, and his natural "knack" for doing well in either sport. I was surprised, to say the least. He went on to explain what he meant (paraphrasing in some parts, the conversation happened a while back):
"I'm not passionate about powerlifting in the same way I'm not passionate about my family, or my home...they're there, and they're a huge part of my life, and I love them very much-- but that's not a 'passion' nor is it something to be passionate about".
Now, this may not resonate with everyone. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this perspective offended many lifters (I can think of a few off the top of my head that would probably try to have my "Powerlifter card" revoked-- or more likely just make me pay a premium for it). However, this framework really made an impression on me, and I think my relationship with powerlifting has actually grown/benefitted from it.
Right now, I would say I'm 100% invested, but a bit emotionally detached from the sport (and I like it that way). This emotional detachment means that I'm able to enjoy and experience my life, regardless of what happens in the gym. It also means that I can continue to show up, do work, make progress, learn lessons, etc. without expending emotional energy-- something incredibly important and necessary for my success in my work, my relationships, in my mental and emotional health, and in pursuing my true passions. I'm not saying we should take the love out of powerlifting, but I do think there's something to be said for taking a step back and realizing-- it will always be there.
Powerlifting is my home, my foundation, a source of strength (physical, mental, and emotional). Powerlifting is my teacher, my mentor, my safe space. Powerlifting is a part of me, and always will be.
It simply isn't my passion, and I don't think that's such a bad (or sad) thing.