Passion can be a few steps away

I have often wondered why people keep passion on the side line: arms distance away. Sometimes people know what makes them tick, really jolts their system into a natural excitement. But sometimes they prefer to keep it to the wayside.

Why I wonder?

Sometimes people think finding their passion is so difficult so they don’t even bother.
Sometimes people think they are not worthy of their passionate lives And sometimes they are moving towards it and then create a self sabotaging situation that stops them.

First let’s define passion I think everyone has a different definition My definition of passion is a connection to one self a feeling that gives you peace and love and comes from the heart; Websters: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction.

Other definitions: Passion is love that drives you Passion is believing in something so much Passion is self expression in your life or career Passion is love for others Passion is purpose Passion a feeling state of love A feeling state of aliveness Passion is inspiration I am reading a book called “What’s personality got to do with it, “and Dr. Carol Ritberger says, "Passion is the element of our humanity that isn’t governed by the mind or reasoning but it is driven by the needs of the heart and body."

I love this because it explains how our brilliant minds could hold us hostage from attaining the needs of the heart. But as I wrote in my ebook and how Dr Carol states above: Passion lies in the heart. And so many times we place a thumb on what we really want or we just don’t know what it is that makes us feel alive. Like Martha Beck would say – Dream with your heart and use your mind as a tool to get it: Not the other way around.

You don’t have to be drastic about following your passion but you must be willing to make small attempts that matter if you really want it. So you can begin creating strategies that you think would bring you closer to a passionate life.

3 Clear ways to get started Start with these questions What would make you feel more passionate? What would give you the feeling of being connected to who you really are? What activities, people or things are you attracted to that you think could give you the feeling?

Brainstorm: Draw a picture of a funnel toss everything you think gives you that "hell yeah, oh yeah" feeling that makes you tick or feel connected to yourself. This is a non censoring non judging exercise. If you have a mental block begin this part when you are sitting in a board meeting bored and wondering what you are doing there – I find these are the best times to brainstorm.

Find strategies: Take one idea and create a strategy ( action oriented activity) that you feel is concrete enough to try: Through this process remember little things matter and small attempts count You are in the process of searching and discovering. Allow yourself permission to do that. For the overachieving people out there set a timeline for how long you will allow yourself to do this. This summer or commit to a future date – allows for a relaxed state of mind.

If you feel you are living a passionate life and have a passionate career great…. Do you have to have passion to be happy? My philosophy: You must always try to be connected to who you are otherwise you are not leading your life with authenticity; real life and real moments come from things , people, activities that give you meaning and fulfillment. Your source of happiness must come from things that you are passionate about in your heart.

What if you don’t know?

Allow yourself to travel the experience rather than figure it out before you start. Take the steps even if you don’t know why you are doing it. Follow your instinct - it is there for a reason. If you have gotten so far away from who you are and can’t find your inner guidance practice getting into a relaxed state of mind. Begin by gravitating towards things that make you feel good, that you are attracted to: keep it simple. A cup of coffee, a orange colored blouse, a trip to the book store to see what you are attracted to or a nice vacation. For more good starts download my ebook that really and truly will support your journey and give you clarity. I am not here to convince you to live a passionate life but I am here to give you the perspective of knowing – it’s never too late to feel good. Purpose follows passion: and living a purposeful life attracts a healthy long life.

Are you ready for the thrill ride? The ebook I wrote will help you get started or join my monthly free call this summer to get closer to your "hell yeah" feeling and aliveness. Or start with the 3 simple clear strategies above.

To peace, love and passion.