PASSION
Finding my passion has been a difficult journey and one that I am still struggling with. When I was young I felt passion in the outdoors, sports, and just be alive and part of life. As I have grown older, I felt passion in success and being good at things, and making money. Now I feel something nagging at me. This nag is persistant especailly when I allow myself to slowdown enough to hear it. It is my inner voice. My inner voice has learned to sign its own song, even when the outside world is singing another.
Do something you are passionate about! Is what I hear it saying. The voice of seduction lies behind it saying "play it safe" you got a good life why mess it up? Yet, lately I have stumbled on reading obituaries, and it reminds me at the end of the my days what is it I want to be able to know about myself?
What I do know is that I want to be able to say "I wan't afraid", "I was passionate", "I LIVED LIFE". I don't feel those things right now. I feel that my free spirit has been chained. Yet, I feel directionless to change it.
How..? How do I get my passion back?
According to Oprah here is how I find "my passion"
Step One: Get Quiet.
For most people, the road to connecting with passion begins with practicing good self-care. This means slowing down, spending time with yourself, taking good care of your body and mind, nurturing your spirit, and engaging in activities that will move you out of your head and into your body.
Once you become passionate about your self-care, you'll know you're on the right track.
Step Two: Become Sensitive to Your Environment.
Once you're more connected to your feelings, you'll be ready to do a little exploring to discover the specific, personal things that best ignite your passions. Spend one week paying close attention to what excites you, touches you, inspires you to think in a whole new way, or even frustrates you. Watch for clues. Stories in newspapers, programs on television or conversations with friends may give you an indication of those things that will lead you to your passions.
Step Three: Answer a Series of Questions.
What interest, passion or desire are you most afraid of admitting to yourself and others?
What do you love about yourself?
Who do you know that's doing something you'd like to do? Describe yourself doing it.
How could you make the world a better place for yourself and others?
What's stopping you from moving forward with exploring your passion?
Step Four: Go on a Treasure Hunt.
Go on a treasure hunt in your own home. The things you hold onto can provide clues to your interests and passions.Do you make connections to old pictures? A special memento from a memory that means something to you? How does what you find make you feel about yourself and your dreams?
Step Five: Take a Risk.
Stop thinking about your passions and start doing something. Take a risk, and step out to try something new. By challenging your fear with action, you'll not only raise your self-esteem, you'll expand your comfort zone. If you're not sure of what to do, ask a trusted friend or partner for ideas. Remember that good luck happens when you're in action. And, if you try something new (even if you're not sure of the outcome), you may discover a passionate interest by accident!
