"I put my heart & soul into my work, & have lost my mind in the process."

Sometimes, when we dive headfirst into our passions, we can get so engulfed that we forget to come up for air. It's like when you’re working on a project you love—you’re putting everything you've got into it. You give your all, your creativity, your energy, your time. Before you know it, you’re so deep in it that you've lost track of time, your surroundings, maybe even a bit of your sanity.

This sentiment captures the essence of pouring every bit of yourself into something you're passionate about, to the point where it can consume you entirely. It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, giving your all to your work can lead to extraordinary achievements and immense satisfaction. On the other, it can sometimes mean losing sight of balance and, in extreme cases, your mental health.

Take Vincent van Gogh, for example. He was a genius painter whose works are known worldwide today. But during his time, he struggled immensely. Van Gogh's passion for his art was unparalleled. He lived and breathed his paintings, which brought to life his profound emotions and perspectives. However, his dedication came at a great personal cost. Van Gogh’s mental health deteriorated as he tried to capture the world’s beauty and his turbulent feelings on canvas. In a way, he lost his mind because he poured every bit of his heart and soul into his art.

So how do we apply this wisdom today? Well, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between passion and self-care. If you’re someone who tends to go all-in, remember to take a step back now and then. It’s crucial to set boundaries for yourself. Schedule breaks, make time for hobbies that relax and recharge you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed.

Imagine this: You’re a software developer working on a revolutionary app that you believe could change the industry. You’ve been burning the midnight oil, coding for hours on end, living on coffee and takeout. You hardly see your friends and your sleep cycle is a mess. One night, you realize you’ve been staring at your screen for what seems like an eternity, and the lines of code are starting to blur together. You’re exhausted, but you push on—because you’re passionate about what you’re doing. Then, you hit a wall. You can’t think straight, and bugs in your code seem to multiply. That’s when it hits you: you need a break.

Take a walk, call a friend, do something entirely different. When you return to your project, you'll find that your mind is clearer, and you might even solve that tricky problem more easily.

Applying this wisdom means acknowledging that while passion can drive great work, it shouldn't drive you to madness. Balance is key. Passion is great—necessary even. But so is maintaining your well-being. Find what rejuvenates you, and don’t be afraid to step away and recharge. Your work, and your mind, will thank you for it.

So, next time you’re knee-deep in something you love, remind yourself that it’s okay to take a break. Your heart and soul are precious. Don’t lose your mind in the process.