What’s your passion?
Discovering and claiming something you love to do has an amazing effect on your entire life. It’s like a tiny perfect raindrop landing on a previously smooth, unremarkable expanse of water. The instant the drop arrives, beautiful waves of ever-enlarging rings flow across the entire surface, spreading out virtually to infinity.
Inventory your talents
What are you good at or have a natural aptitude for? Forget about what you’re good at but don’t really like doing much. I’m talking about the things you have a knack for that delight or happily occupy you.
Are there things you like to do that you don’t think you’re that good at, that other people have complimented you on? Perhaps you even dismissed or rejected their enthusiasm.
Think of what you loved to do as a child
This is probably the simplest way to unearth what pursuits hold the potential to light up your days. Before the grown-ups get to us with their ideas, most of us know exactly whom we are and what would make us happiest.
Were you obsessed with horses? Maybe you should head to a dude ranch for your next vacation.
Notice when you lose track of time, or what you hate to stop doing
When I work,I watch the clock all day until I’m finally done. Yet when I have a client in front of me who is depressed or anxious or newly diagnosed with a condition that would benefit from lifestyle change, I often lose my usual urgency and spend a big chunk of time with them. Not surprisingly, my true passion is life coaching, where I have the luxury of time with clients and love spending great swaths of time teaching and encouraging.
See your passion hunt as a fun, joyful adventure
In my coaching and speaking work I see people putting pressure on themselves to find their passion. I do believe it’s critically important to discover and engage in things that light you up, but it’s just as important to cultivate an un-serious child-like attitude of play, wonder and adventure.
When you deliberately open yourself to noticing things you might enjoy doing, don’t be afraid of getting it wrong.
It’s all an adventure; you’re learning and growing as you go. Happiness research shows that trying new things increases dopamine levels in the brain, contributing to sustained levels of contentment. So try away!
Notice what you love. Notice what makes you feel like a kid. Notice what you long to have more time for.
Make time for these things, whatever you can manage, and watch your life start to change. It’s really magical.
How have you stumbled on passions in the past?
Stay within the light.
Tres Vistas Recovery
