I’ve been a Bboy (breakdancer being the layman term) for over ten years now.

And I suck at it.

I picked it up when I was sixteen and today, I’m thirty.

I’ve not won a single competition before. I take a long time to learn certain moves while other, younger Bboys master them in what seems to be really fast.

You also can’t find tons of YouTube videos of me that will “wow” you.

I’ll even admit, it’s all my fault. I made up a ton of excuses that prevented me from pushing myself to improve in my craft.

So I guess in that sense, I suck at my passion.

But… that’s okay.

I don’t need the trophies, medals or fame.

I’ve come to learn that passion is way more than being good at it. Passion is way more than that.

I like to think that I’ve gotten a firm grasp of my own passion and created a new kind of understanding of what it truly is, something that goes beyond “following your heart.”

Passion is what identifies you

You know what gives me a kick out of being a Bboy today?

The fact that it surprises most of my friends.

The reactions are mostly the same: “Wow you’re still at it?”

“How do you manage to find the time and energy to practice?”

“I wish I had something like that.”

Passion is truly something that goes beyond being a mere hobby or interest. It’s an identity you attach yourself to. You don’t need trophies, awards or fame to represent it.

You just indulge in your passion your own way and by keeping at it, people will recognize you for that in time to come. That’s how you automatically stand out.

Passion is a lifestyle

Also, personally, I allow Bboying to seep into my everyday life. Without going to deep into the culture and history of Bboying and Hip hop, I’ve taken in a lot of principles and values from the passion alone.

It’s not just about practicing new moves. It’s so much more than that.

Well-known Bboys here whom I thought were too popular, hence busy actually took time off to teach me. I pass it on and teach new faces whenever I can.

The practice ground is filled with Bboys of all ages, race and gender. All united by one dance, we learn to respect and not judge each other.

Bboying is challenging and requires consistent practice. I apply that in every aspect of my life now as I patiently learn new things and take on challenges.

So you see, passion isn’t just about following your heart and feeling “high” from it.

It is a learning journey. It’s a lifestyle you take upon as you continuously absorb what it offers to improve yourself and head in a direction that will inspire others.

And anyone can do it. You don’t need to be popular or famous.

Keep learning and growing with your passion. People will be amazed by that. @AldenTans
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Passion is what makes sense of the world

The world has too much information today.

Schools are teaching you one thing. The news is saying another thing altogether. Your government may be telling you something else.

Then we have weird, conspiracy theories floating about everywhere.

It’s pretty easy to feel confused in this world.

This is how I quell the noise: I just aim to constantly seek and attain the feeling of happiness.

I do that easily with Bboying; with passion.

And no, it’s not a form of denial as I block out the rest of the world.

With the aforementioned values I learned, I’d say this passion is what keeps me grounded and happy at the same time. And all I need is the music and the dance floor to be reminded of who I am.

Perhaps the world and its people run a certain way, and if you can’t find a way to be happy along the way, then what hell are you really living for?

Passion is not a competition

So don’t compare yourself with others for what you already have.

Passion can improve your life and help you grow in many ways.

It identifies you, even without the trophies and accolades.

It gives clarity, hence a sense of meaning in today’s world.

Indeed, go forth and find your passion. Follow your heart. Do what it takes to get that one thing that helps your heart and mind to click together.

And truly, you don’t need to be the best, or even good at it.

If you love it, you love it. That’s all that matters.

Alden Tan is a Bboy who writes about honest and real stories at his blog. Check out his free book, 12 Things Happy People Don’t Give a F**k About! You can follow him on Twitter and IG.