We all have something in this life that we are passionate about. Something we are excited to think about. Something we really look forward to. Something that we enjoy so much that we lose track of time while doing it. Your passion can be related to people, work, a cause, a hobby, or anything else you’re passionate about.
How often do you allow yourself to engage in this interest/passion of yours? How do you feel when you deny yourself the opportunity to participate in this passion? If you had some free time and nobody needed you for anything, what would you spend that time on? What do you like to do? What could you talk about for hours?
We tend to think of passions as a luxury that only the very lucky, the very rich, or the very irresponsible can enjoy. When I think of celebrity passions, I think of Madonna with Kabala, Brad and Angelina with children’s charities, Tom Cruise with Scientology. But there are so many others who followed their passions to do great good in the world (Mother Teresa – humanity, poverty and healing; Princess Diana – landmines, AIDS, children; Michael J. Fox – Parkinson’s Research; Audrey Hepburn – UNICEF) . Others follow their passions toward their careers and ultimately their purpose in this world (Suze Orman: financial independence; Steve Irwin (the crocodile hunter): animal conservation; Emeril Lagasse/Julia Child/Rachel Ray (love her or you hate her): food; Tiger Woods-golf).
Taking the time to immerse yourself in something you love is not a selfish act and it is not self-indulgent. It is as necessary to your well-being as eating, breathing, and sleeping. When you deny yourself opportunities to nurture your body, mind, and spirit, you have less to give back to the people in your life. Spending time doing what you love gives you the energy you need to do the things you have to do. It makes you a better person and serves as a great clue as to what you should do. It helps you discover your purpose in this life.
How enjoyable would your life be if the work you do every day was filling your soul and your bank account? How fabulous would it be to feel like going to work and be amazed at how quickly time went by?
