SM: Your fiancé feels that way, I’m sure.

Lisa Ling: Yeah, he does, but it is hard. When you’re in a relationship, you kind of want that person around. You want to share time with that person. When that isn’t the case, it’s really hard.

SM: Who have been your biggest supporters?

Lisa Ling: Of course, my family. They haven’t always agreed to all the decisions I’ve made. My mom, quite honestly, would prefer me to be on The View because she could see me everyday. Now I’m like, "I’m going to Afghanistan and you’re not going to see me for twelve days. You’re not going to hear from me and hopefully I’ll be okay after twelve days." But she appreciates that I’m doing what I’m passionate about.

SM: How can one figure out her passion?

Lisa Ling: All I can say is life is short. You never know what’s going to happen to you tomorrow. If you are chronically in a state of depression and doing something you are unhappy doing, try to change it or start heading in the direction of trying to change it. It’s not going to change for you and it’s not going to change automatically.