We Should Be More Like Steve Irwin

Today is Steve Irwin’s birthday and for someone who grew up wanting to be just like "The Crocodile Hunter" today is an important day to me. As a child all I wanted to do was learn more about animals. I loved all animals, however reptiles interested me more. I loved and still continue to love snakes, while many people fear them. This was all because of Steve Irwin.

I would sit for hours watching him on Animal Planet, learning all about animals. While Steve Irwin taught us a lot about animals, there was a deeper lesson he taught his viewers. Steve Irwin taught us passion. The amount of passion and enthusiasm everyone's favorite khaki wearing Aussie had exploded through the television. You didn't just see it and hear it, you felt it.

I spent my childhood trying to be more like Steve Irwin. I religiously studied animal facts wanting to know every thing I could about every single animal. I volunteered at Cattus Island County Park in Toms River from age 9 until I graduated high school, working with reptiles. While most kids wanted a dog, I wanted a snake. When people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would answer by saying a veterinarian or The Crocodile Hunter.

Steve's passion and enthusiasm is something we should take into our day to day lives. Imagine tackling the day with the attitude Steve Irwin had. Imagine just how much happier we would be. It doesn't matter what you do, whether your passion is animals or cars, completely immersing ourselves into the things that makes us happy will bring an unimaginable joy to our lives.

I was fortunate enough to visit the Australia Zoo back in 2007. Unfortunately, I went just under a year after Steve Irwin had passed away. However, you could feel his spirit throughout the zoo. There was an energy there, that was undeniable. A memorial spanned almost the entire zoo with memorabilia of Steve's and items sent in by fans.

So today, Steve Irwin Day, and everyday try to attack the day with the same amount of love and passion The Crocodile Hunter had. Take on the day with a smile and focus on the things in life that make you feel that passion that Steve Irwin had for the wildlife he lived to protect.

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