Your Passions Can Save You
By Dave Balch, author “Cancer for Two” and founder The 
Patient/Partner Project

Here is an excellent way to reduce stress and cope with just 
about anything: lose yourself doing something you love to 
do.

I’m not necessarily talking about your career, although if 
your work is doing something you love then you’re way ahead 
of the game. For example, I have a quad (that’s a 
four-wheeled motorcycle that is not street-legal, but only 
for off-road riding) that needed repair so I took it to a 
local mechanic who has his own shop in an industrial park. 
When I called him to check on it we started talking about 
the incredible heat in the area where he works and he said, 
“I’m not complaining… I get to work on motorcycles all day!” 
That’s a good place to be if you can swing it.

We’re talking here about hobbies, passions, diversions; 
however you like to characterize it.  If you love gardening, 
for example, spending a little time in the garden will do 
wonders for you.  It doesn’t have to be a lot of time; even 
15 minutes would be a welcome and rejuvenating break from 
the stress of the day.  Whatever your passion, spending just 
a small amount of time with it will have a surprising 
effect. 

A lot of people tell me that they can’t do whatever it is 
because of time or money.  To that I say, “Poppycock!”  
Let’s talk about time. We are all way too busy, which may 
actually be at the root of our stress.  But you don’t have 
to spend much time to see the benefits, as I mentioned 
above.  The big life-passion for me is total eclipses of the 
sun. Obviously I can’t spend only a small amount of time to 
go see one, but opening a book or magazine or searching the 
internet for photos doesn’t take much time.  Can’t take time 
away from the family?  You don’t have to: include them. Get 
them to help in the garden, for example.

Let’s talk about money.  My passion can be very expensive, 
requiring travel to all corners of the globe to see 
eclipses. But if I can’t afford a trip, I can still enjoy 
the experience vicariously through the eyes, photos, and 
stories of others. How about subscribing to a magazine 
dedicated to your passion? If even that is too much, just 
buy a single issue!  Surf the net; you will find websites, 
discussion groups, and forums on ANY passion and that won’t 
cost you much, if anything. Believe me when I tell you that 
you don’t have to “get your hands in the dirt” to enjoy some 
aspect of what you are passionate about.  I know people who 
are passionate about the beautiful colors of autumn. Even 
though they can only enjoy them in person for a few weeks of 
the year, they still find it wonderfully satisfying to 
research the best places to go, making plans to go there, 
studying photographs and tips on taking them, and so on.

So I ask you again: what do you love to do?  Get out there 
and start doing it, even if only on a very small scale.  You 
will be ASTOUNDED at the difference it will make in your 
life.  If you don’t believe me, try it. Just once. I dare 
you.

© 2010, Dave Balch  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Dave Balch gives greater understanding and relieves stress 
and restores hope for those dealing with a serious or 
chronic illness or condition.  He was caregiver for his wife 
during four bouts of breast cancer and has now dedicated his 
life and career to helping others by founding The 
Patient/Partner Project. Resources include a book “Cancer 
for Two,” speaking programs, a DVD about coping strategies, 
and free web services.  Subscribe to his no-cost monthly 
newsletter, “Caring and Coping” at www.CaringAndCoping.com