WHEN commenting on her phenomenal success, the American writer and actor, Wanda Sykes, once said, "If you feel like there's something out there that you're supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it".
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Most of us are passionate about something in life and some of us are fortunate enough to be in a position to follow our passions.
If we have not yet begun the journey of following our passions then Wanda's advice is worth listening to. Doing what we are passionate about can lead to contentment and fulfilment in life.
This week I spoke to Army veteran Shane Barns about his obvious passion for motorcycles. Shane originally comes from Villawood and has been calling Nambucca Heads home for the past 26 years.
He is a proud former member of the 12/16th Hunter River Lancers, a cavalry unit, where, during the '80s, he served as an Assault Trooper and a driver/signaller on an M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier.
Shane speaks fondly of his time as a soldier and laments it was unfortunate family circumstances that cut short the military career path he had set his heart on.
I asked Shane what it was that he loved about his time in uniform. Shane reflected it was that great sense of belonging, the camaraderie, and that you always knew what to expect from those soldiering alongside of you.
Now 65 years old, Shane's passion for motorcycles started when he was nine years old when he owned his first bike, a Tiger Cub Triumph 200. Most of us would consider the six bikes in Shane's collection to be classic bikes however that is not how he sees them.
They were new bikes during his youth and they are the machines he is most comfortable with. It is the simplicity of older motorcycles that appeals to him, no gadgets or gimmicks that take away the feel of the bike on the roads providing what Shane calls 'seat of your pants riding'.
The favourite bike in his collection is a 1968 Triumph Trophy, an ex-NSW Police bike. His bike that turns the most heads, and one you may have seen around town, is his 2012 Ural, with a sidecar. The Russian made Ural is a replica of a World War II BMW German Army motorcycle. With the exception of a front disc brake and electronic ignition, everything that makes up this bike is 1938 technology. With a top speed of 100kph hound a cruising speed of 80kph, Shane confesses the Ural is pure fun to ride.
Shane can talk with authority about motorcycles for hours because it is his passion and he pursues his passion with an infectious enthusiasm. Shane is an example of just what Wanda Sykes was talking about when she told us to 'stop wishing and just do it'.
He is a member of the veterans community who will never be wondering 'if only'. Many of us would do well to take a page out of Shane's book and follow our passion because you, and perhaps even your community, will be better for it.
