Has anyone ever called you an amateur when you were skiing or taking photographs or just doing something you loved? 

There’s a certain amount of prestige in being a professional cyclist, dancer, writer or chef, and many of those people love what they’re doing, but that doesn’t make what you’re doing less meaningful to you.

The word, amateur, comes from the Latin amator, meaning “lover.” It has the same root as amore, the Italian word for love. There was a time when being an amateur was a profound compliment. It meant you were doing what you loved because you loved it so much you didn’t need to be paid to do it.

It’s okay to be a professional. It’s also okay to be an amateur. Love life. Live it.

(Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels)