Passion. The word conjures up various emotions and images. According to the dictionary, passion is “any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling.” Personally, I think it’s this:
PASSION = EXCITEMENT + POSITIVE ENERGY + UNDYING LOVE + GENEROSITY
Why generosity, you might ask? Because when you’re truly passionate about something, you love it so much, and it gives you such joy and positive energy, that you want to share it with others. You just radiate that excitement, energy, and love – you exude it. When you’re full of passion for something you’re doing, a cause you believe in, an activity or hobby you love, you want to spread the love, to teach it, to give it. Your positive energy and love, as long as it’s 100% authentic, becomes contagious, and your life becomes a magnet for people, places and opportunities that share that passionate energy.
So… what lights you up and ignites your fire? What do you believe in so completely wholeheartedly that you’d practically stand in front of an oncoming train to protect and nurture it? What do you love doing or being involved with so much that you lose track of time and it’s sometimes bordering on obsession?
That’s passion. Passion is unconditional love for and undying belief in your thing – your project, your mission, your cause, your work, your play, your family’s growth & learning, your health & well-being, your relationships, your athletic endeavors, your quest… anything you sink your whole heart and soul into unapologetically, consistently. Passion breeds innovation and leadership, it pushes past comfort zones and fear-imposed limits, it creates movements and can change your world.
Of course this isn’t rocket science – I’m merely stating what most of us already know. But the truth is that most of us don’t take the time to think about what our true passions really are and live them. Many of us go for years denying our passions. Many of my clients assume it’s selfish or narcissistic to focus on what nurtures their soul or lights their fire when life insists on so many “more important” things – deadlines, responsibilities, children, work.
My client, Sarah, for example, thought she was a terrible mom after her daughters were born, two years apart. She was responsible and loving and did everything “right” – her grade school-aged daughters were thriving in every way. But she didn’t feel that special bond she had hoped she’d feel. As a matter of fact she often felt anxious, depressed, and sometimes resentful of her role as a mother, even though she had the support of a loving husband.
So she plowed herself more fervently into her career, which actually just made things worse. When she came to me seeking more direction, success, and personal satisfaction in her career, we examined every aspect of her life, in addition to her job. We realized that when Sarah had her children, she let go of so much that had made her soul come alive. Before kids, she and her husband had been avid sailors, spending nearly every weekend on the water and sailing in exotic locations on vacations. She also had enjoyed beading and giving away her creations as gifts to friends and family. But she hadn’t done that in years. So as part of a strategic road map for her life and career, we came up with ways to incorporate these passions into her life on a regular basis.
She certainly was not a bad mother! She simply had lost touch with some crucial parts of herself – experiences that made her spirit soar, activities that helped define who she was and allowed her to feel free and strong and creative and brave.
So what passions are you denying yourself? What are you holding back on? Do you live with passion? What are you passionate about? Are you a true passionista?
By the way, if you’re wondering what I mean by passionista, I’m about to launch a brand-new blog series on the topic of passion & creativity & leadership. Because leaders have passion! And watching them, being with them, hearing their story, sparks more passion within us.
I’m going to be featuring some amazingly creative, kick-ass, talented passionistas (male and female) who are leaders in their chosen field of work, play, hobby, etc. I have been busy researching, interviewing and writing for this new project, and I am SO excited to share their stories with you! They will blow you away!
If you happen to know a few of those passionista types – whether they’re innovative solo entrepreneurs or crazy-courageous athletes or cutting-edge spiritual gurus or selfless charitable do-gooders making the world a better place – I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THEM!
And one more thing before I sign off… a gift to YOU (or someone you love)…
In the spirit of Saint Valentine (it’s all about love, service & giving back), I am offering a major discount to anyone who wants/needs my coaching services and is ready to begin an exciting 12-week journey of self-discovery & success on their terms.This means 12 weekly one-hour coaching sessions via phone or Skype, 12-20 powerful written exercises and worksheets to further your growth & learning, strategic planning & goal-setting, and access to me between sessions. If you want to learn more about me and my approach, read my full bio.
This offer is limited to a small number of people (my coaching schedule can only handle so many!) So be one of the first to take me up on this before it’s too late! Oh and by the way, this offer is transferable, so if you know a special someone who may not be reading this but could use a life/career makeover, boost, recharge, roadmap – and they’re ready to dig deep and play big – send ‘em my way. All the details of this offer can be seen on a hidden page.
In the name of love and passion, I’m wishing you a very happy Valentine’s Day!
