Part 5 of 5
“All the greatest people on the planet past and present – all loved what they did.”
Janet Bray Attwood and Chris Attwood authors of The Passion Test
I interpret that statement as not only referring to the ‘world’s greats’ but all the greatest people. People who are living their passions love life. They are filled with aliveness and purpose…. leaving people and circumstances changed as a result of their touch. They captivate and make us rise. They transform our lives.
My daughter had 3 teachers who were passionate……students loved them, in their classes everyone excelled. I have a fitness trainer who makes me want to continually push to new levels. She inspires me every day. She says it’s her passion. There‘s a woman in my community who visited Uganda 4 years ago and was so impassioned to help improve life there she came home and started baking banana bread to raise money to build schools. Her efforts have built two so far. The greatest people come from all walks of life and are engaged in all kinds of endeavors. They share one thing– they are living their passion and they’re giving it away.
A true passion is not only self serving but also our gift to the world. When considering passions go one step further and ask, how does my gift serve? Does it have a positive impact on others? If you are satisfied with your responses …you have found a true passion. Give it freely.
reACTION [to change in the response to stimulus]: bringing passion to life
Bring passion to life by making it a verb
Here’s an example……one of my passions is people. I have great compassion for the human spirit. I love the differences that make us all unique. I love hearing people’s stories. I love how we are all limitless and capable beyond our imagination.
I could make my passion a statement- I am passionate about people.
I could make my passion a goal – I want to help people.
Or I can state it this way – My passion is inspiring people to open to the possibilities.
The verb turns it into a living, breathing process that I can bring to life.
Pass it on – When we focus on leading a passionate, meaningful life, we are also inadvertently creating a spectacular ripple effect of inspiration in the lives around us. When one person follows a dream, tries something new, or takes a daring leap, everyone nearby feels their passionate energy; and before too long, they are making their own daring leaps while simultaneously inspiring others.
If you liked this piece please share it with friends and like it on Facebook.
Leave a Comment