"A strong passion for any object will ensure success,
for the desire of the end will point out the means"
William Hazlitt
Are you living the life of your dreams, or are you feeling constrained? Do you ever feel disheartened, cast down by the voices of gloom, doom and despondency that seem to be all around us? If so, this could be a good moment to reawaken your passion and purpose for life. It is too easy to fall into the rut of the same old, same old when something new, completely different and wonderful could be right around the next corner for you.
You see, with passion it is amazing what you may find yourself achieving, even when conditions seem impossible. What is more, you are likely to find that life will conspire to help you to bring it about. Knowing clearly your passion is a first step, like sowing a seed in your consciousness.
It may take a little while for the seed to germinate and show growth. Do not be surprised if at a moment when you are least expecting it, something happens. You meet someone who is instrumental in bringing you to a next stage. You might "accidentally" find a website that leads you another step further. A casual conversation with a stranger could give you a valuable insight.
"When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one
and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible."
Unknown
In a recent post, How To Self-Direct Your Career I wrote about Deborah d'Alessandro's Natural Abilities Analysis that she uses to assist people redefine a more meaningful career for themselves. In addition to becoming aware of your natural abilities she offers the following keys concerning your passions.
Re-awakening Passions...
1.List 10 things that you liked to do as a child
The age not important. Think about what you liked to do, how you enjoyed spending your free time, serious or silly things. Open your memory to the fun times you can recall.
2.List 10 things you like doing as an adult
As above, no restrictions, give yourself permission to be fully true to yourself and honest about what you love to do since you became an adult.
3.If you had $30 million (call this €'s or £'s or any other currency that is relevant for you) deposited into your bank account ...
... tax free, after you upgraded your housing, made sure all your family and friends were financially secure, bought a new car, went on all the vacations you wanted, gave to all the charities you wanted, what would you do next with your life?
There are really two parts to answering this question.
First of all, putting the money to one side. Are you doing now what you love to do, whether or not you were being paid to do it? If you did not need money, would you be doing it anyway? If not, what would you be doing, just for the love and pleasure of it? Open your mind.
Second of all, how would you use the money? How might you be living? Are you called to make a difference in any part of your world?
Many years ago, when I answered the question for myself - at that time, 1 million was large enough to stretch my imagination - I saw myself helping artistic people display their creations. This could have involved setting up exhibitions for a painter or photographer; sponsoring concerts for composers or musicians; holding events where creative people could come together to gain fresh energy and enthusiasm for their endeavours.
The HEART (Human Energy And Resource Technology) Consultation service I subsequently developed assists ordinary people to be creative in their lives, whatever they happened to be doing. It results in my clients becoming more fulfilled by gaining greater meaning and purpose in their existing vocation; or by choosing a new career, which offers them an outlet for their gifts and talents.
The monthly Possible Dream meetings I now hold enable ordinary people to become more creatively rewarded in their lives by doing more of what they really love and want to do. Once you get to the essence of what you love doing, there may be more than one possible outlet for expressing it.
Another of my passions is writing - letters, journals, books and now these posts. I would like to thank all of you who regularly read the articles. As a writer, I really appreciate being read.
"Consciously dream otherwise you may find yourself living out the dreams of others."
Steve Nobel
Listen here to the wisdom and humour of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's words, especially his reminder that "You are precious". Listen well.
"Our passions are the winds that propel our vessel.
Our reason is the pilot that steers her.
Without winds the vessel would not move and without a pilot she would be lost."
Proverb
Are you already living your passion? Do you find ways to be creative in your present career, to enjoy greater purpose for yourself? If money were no issue, what would your dream vocation be?
I would love to hear more about you, what you love to do that brings greater meaning into your life. If I can assist you, I would be very happy to do so. Please feel free to leave a comment below or contact me at clearresults@mac.com