The Sweetest Course: Finding Passion Amid Life’s Buffet

Written by Siddhi Bhosale

Yesterday, I attended a birthday party where a lavish buffet was set up. When you picture a buffet, you likely envision a spread of starters, a main course, and desserts, each meant to be enjoyed in a specific order. Starters are usually served at the table, so they naturally come first. Then, for the main course and desserts, people have to queue up, creating a predictable flow of how a meal unfolds.

As expected, there was a long line at the main course counter. But instead of waiting, I decided to try something different—I headed straight to the dessert counter. It was deserted, almost as if the desserts were waiting for someone to notice them. I picked up a bowl, indulged in my favorite tiramisu, and it was heavenly! The quietness at the dessert counter made the experience even sweeter. I enjoyed a second helping of tiramisu before joining the main course line, dessert in hand, savoring it alongside my meal.

Of course, this unusual sequence didn’t go unnoticed. While I stood in line for the main course, people were puzzled. Some even asked if I had already eaten. I explained my “reverse buffet” approach, starting from desserts instead of the main course. Naturally, I ended my meal with another round of desserts, savoring each bite without feeling overly full or rushed. Some of you might think there’s nothing extraordinary in this—it’s just a buffet, after all. But for me, this was a meaningful experience, sparking a realization that extended beyond the party. And this is where the actual blog begins.

In life, we also follow a fixed sequence, much like a buffet. The “starters” of life are our basic educational milestones: passing the board exams in high school, then graduating with a degree. After that, we move on to the “main course”—pursuing post-graduation, finding a job, preparing for competitive exams, or perhaps even starting a business. Lastly, we have the “desserts”—our hobbies and passions, the things that truly make us feel alive. And yet, just like in the buffet, if we deviate from this order in life, people question us.

But here’s the catch: in life, as in a buffet, the starters and main course can be so filling that by the time we reach the “desserts,” we’re often too full or too busy to truly enjoy them. We end up saving our passions for “someday,” hoping we’ll find time later. In reality, those dreams often remain untouched, sitting on a shelf, gathering dust.

While the “starters” of life—our basic education and foundational steps—are necessary and unavoidable, we don’t always need to follow the traditional order with the main course and dessert. However, most of us do; we prioritize career goals, wealth accumulation, and stability over pursuing our passions. We fill ourselves with responsibilities and obligations until our dreams become distant memories or part of an elusive bucket list. It’s only when we look back, realizing that time is finite, that we wonder what might have been if we had chosen differently.

Imagine a world where we could start with our passions, where everyone had the chance to make their dreams their careers. In this world, we’d see more writers, poets, dancers, musicians, artists, travelers, and creators of all kinds. Instead of competing for wealth, people would strive for happiness, with personal fulfillment as the ultimate measure of success. The richest person would no longer be the one with the most assets, but the one with the most joy. Passion and satisfaction would be the true currency, and the world would be a tapestry of creativity and contentment.

Of course, this vision may sound like a utopia, especially in our competitive world. Practicality often demands that we choose financial security over personal dreams. But perhaps there is a middle path. If we cannot make our hobbies our primary focus, we can still incorporate them alongside our “main course” careers. Even a small dose of creativity—whether it’s a weekend art class, writing a blog, or exploring a new hobby—can provide immense mental health benefits and remind us of our true selves. Not everyone has the luxury to put their passions first, but those little moments dedicated to our dreams can keep our spirits alive.

Many people once dreamed of becoming writers, painters, singers, travelers, or artists. Yet, these aspirations often get pushed aside for stable careers, the traditional “main course.” But pursuing our hobbies and passions, even as side pursuits, can enrich our lives and provide a balance that sustains us. And who knows? Sometimes, dessert might turn into the main course. A passion pursued on the side could grow into something greater, maybe even a new career path.

The chances might seem slim, but hope is a powerful motivator. In a world that values stability and material wealth, our passions are our secret treasures. Nurturing them, even in small ways, can bring immense joy and fulfillment. After all, life is a buffet—sometimes, it’s worth starting with dessert.