The Breeze That Took Me Back

photo credit to the photographer

This morning, after dropping my child off at school, I was riding my cycle when the cool breeze brushed against my face. There was a faint smell of salt in the air, and instantly, I was transported back to my childhood visit to Ihavandhoo.

Life there was simple. Children played openly on the streets — hopscotch, gandu filla, water games — the roads were their playground. Their laughter carried through the island, unfiltered and free.

One memory remains especially vivid. A friend of mine was taking breakfast to her father at the boatyard, and I decided to join her, curious to see what it was like. When we arrived, I stood in awe. Her father was building a huge boat, crafted with his hands and the help of others. The vessel was stunning, each detail so precise, it felt alive.

What struck me most was not the boat itself, but the way he worked. He wasn’t just shaping wood. He was breathing life into it. The passion in his eyes, the rhythm in his hands — it was as though the image in his mind was unfolding right before us. I remember feeling mesmerized, sensing that I was witnessing creativity and love taking form.

That moment planted a truth in me: when we bring passion into our work, it no longer feels like work. It becomes part of us. We don’t feel drained by the effort, because we’re fueled by love for what we’re doing.

The Psychology Behind Passion in Work

Psychology describes this as entering a flow state — a state where a person is fully absorbed in an activity, losing track of time because the process itself is so engaging. In this state, work doesn’t exhaust us; instead, it energizes us. Passion also taps into intrinsic motivation — the drive that comes from within, rather than from external rewards such as money or recognition. When people connect emotionally to their work, they feel more resilient, creative, and fulfilled. Even challenges turn into opportunities for growth.

On the other hand, when passion is absent, work becomes mechanical. We go through the motions, and our energy drains quickly. This disconnection is what often leads to burnout — not only because of the hours, but because the heart isn’t in it.

The boatbuilder in Ihavandhoo reflected a timeless lesson: when we work with passion, we create with love, and that transforms everything.