Thousands of locks line the rails of the Pont des Arts near the Louvre in Paris. For those who haven’t heard of it, here’s the story. A couple writes their names on a padlock and locks it onto the bridge. They then throw the key into the Seine River as a symbol of their undying love.

As I spend New Year’s Eve here with my wife, Holly, this popular site in the city of love reminds me of not just my love and passion for her, but for life itself. Each day is filled with opportunities to live passionately, love deeply, work eagerly, and play with excitement in my heart.

In my widely read post from Christmas Eve, I referenced this zest for life, which is evident in the children of our world. These amazing little beings approach even the simplest of activities with passion. On the streets of Paris, I continually see them skipping with joy, gazing in wonder, and appreciating the present for what it truly is – one precious and fleeting moment in time. Children don’t squander these opportunities; they live them to their fullest. Even when they have their moments of discontent, they tend to move through them swiftly.

While adults are here to protect and nuture the growth of children, our children are here to teach us many things including the value of passion. Take their example and make 2013 your year of passion in all you do at work and at home.

Heureuse Nouvelle Année (Happy New Year)!