Passion is an intense driving emotion, enthusiasm, or conviction.  It is a strong desire for an activity, object, or concept.  It is that fire in your belly that drives you.  Passion is not only about your career or job; it is about every aspect of your life.  Leading a passionate life encompasses every part of your life – your career, your relationships, your hobbies, any causes you are involved with, etc.  Pursuing your passions connects you to your soul and satisfies your deep cravings for a meaningful life.  It means connecting with your purpose and living your life to the fullest.  When you are following your passion you will experience profound happiness, joy, and success.  In addition, living a passionate life can actually help you live up to 6 years longer, according to Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz (authors of a series of books to help you get healthy). 

Everyone has felt passionate about something at some point in their life.  In fact, passion can be as simple as your love for bird-watching, gardening, reading, or walking in the woods.  It can also be something huge and life altering like working to help end homelessness in your country.   

Take some time to review your past experiences with passion.  Think of a time when you were stopped in your tracks by the beauty of a sunset or sunrise.  The incredible hues of orange, pink, and purple.  The spectacular way the light bounces off the clouds creating a sky that is completely captivating.  When you get absorbed in moments like this you are connected with your passion.  Then think about a time when you were engaged in an activity that you love - at work or play.  A time when you were so absorbed in the activity that you completely lost track of time.  Both of these experiences represent passionate living.  Living a passionate life means being present in the moment to appreciate and enjoy the small things in life in addition to having an overriding passion that drives your life’s work.  

Once you know what some of your passions are (big or small), you need to make time and space in your life to pursue them.  Cultivating your passion will begin to spark and awaken other passions.  As you continue to follow your heart and connect with that fire in your belly you will reap the rewards of living passionately.  Don’t let anything get in your way.  Not fear, lack of time, or other people.  Let your passion carry you through any obstacles that get in your way.  When there’s passion, there’s a way.  

Next week we will look at an example of living passionately. 

Create a great week! 

Kirsten

This entry was posted by Kirsten Harrell on May 7th, 2008 under Passion with keywords .

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