Defining your Passion - my story

Do you know of anyone living their passion? I mean truely? Is this passion their life's work? Does their offtime simply blend into their passion time with no wall in between?

I have a friend like that. And until I started persuing my own passion, I didn't quite get it. I thought my friend just worked, well, alot. But now I can see, it isn't work at all if you love what you are doing. It's just that if you get PAID to do what you love, that is icing on the cake. Truely.

What I find most interesting about my friend is that his passion work has morphed tremendously over the years.

(I don't have permission to post his pic and links, otherwise I would. And it's Thanksgiving in Canada so he's kinda busy right now to ask.)

He started in his teens painting signs.

He then moved into window splashes (big signs in storefront windows).

Next he became a fine artist running his own art gallery.

Then he became a world class mural artist having now painted well over 100 to date all over the world.

And then he started a themed environment company, much like what you see at DisneyLand.

He also specializes in 3D signs. For example, if someone is selling ice, you don't get a sign that says ICE. You get a full sized sculpted polar bear.

I'm pretty proud of my friend, but my main point is, this  goes to show, what you're passionate about one year may morph or grow in a new direction the next year. And how equally amazing that what he's doing today is utilizing ALL those talents he's achieved to date.

I started working for my friend Dan when he needed an extra set of hands. I had my own biz which was very flexible, so I was able to make this arrangement work. I'll admit, I was excited to work on his creative projects. But what ultimately came next I wasn't able to imagine it fully beforehand.

Dan taught me to work with tools. He knew he'd have to teach me starting from A. But the difference to Dan was, I was willing and eager and confident I could do it. I just needed to be shown once how to work something and then I would. I worked every day with tools I had never picked up or tried before. And boy did he have tools!

Know what I ended up doing within a year? Hand sculpting concrete creating a parade float for the local town. Welding framework. Painting sculptures. Carving styrofoam with grinders to create 3D airplane components. Hand painting/glazing routered 3D signage and figures for themed golf courses. Helping in his workshops. Being part of a televised news segment. And more. Crazy.

Working on my wood mantel piece

I was very fortunate to have found work with Dan that actually taught me something new EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. And it's my belief that the learning process is what jump started me into wanting to search further for my own true passion.

You see, for years I've seen things in my head but didn't know how to build or implement those ideas. So they had to stay in my head unless I could afford to hire someone that COULD do them for me. Talk about frustration! If I wanted to hang a shelf, I waited for help or went without.

The day I started picking up tools and learning how they worked, there was no stopping me. I started building up my own tool collection and started tinkering. And sawing and cutting and nailing. My next step is learning to build and that is where I am today.

Having the skills to do what you are passionate about is like having a steerling wheel in your car. The car is indeed nice, but if you can't steer where you're heading, you're forced to take the bus instead. And driving oneself is MUCH more enticing than having someone do it all for you. You are feeding that creative energy. Someone doing it for you is nice, but won't have the same meaning. Learning it and doing it? Nothing like it. Nothing.

To this day, I get stumped alot. I have a TON to learn! But the good news is, the more I do, the more I know. If I keep moving in the forward direction, there is progress. When I needed spindles for my stairway, I told Dan what I had in mind after staring at his gate and he set me up in minutes for me to do it.

Dan often tells me to have some patience. Things take time to develop. But, to keep at it. If you don't have alot of time in your day, try 10 minutes. Take 10 minutes to do something you have never done before, or move 10 minutes further in the right direction. Those 10 minutes do indeed add up. And we all can spare 10 minutes! If you throw up your arms and exclaim how 10 minutes will NEVER get you where you need to go, that too will happen. Because then you won't do anything. And nothing is flat out not acceptable. Put in your 10 minutes a day. It's my guess that once you get the ball rolling, you'll be putting in a few hours, rather than minutes. It can happen. And it can happen to you.

I have my own biz. I have a home and yard to care for. I'm a sole parent to my 10 yr old son. My plate is generally pretty full. But I'm here to tell you, I'm carving out time to build up towards my passionate goal. I get insecure and go backwards some days, finding the excuse that 'its just too hard.' But other times when I'm in the groove, nothing can stop me.

This stuff all takes time and perserverence and structure. But what's even more important is to believe in yourself.

One of Dan's quotes I often hear in his workshops is:

"You CAN do it. But if you say to me you can't do it, I believe you. Because then you won't." Isn't that the truth?

workshop with friends I've known for many years

I'm about to help Dan in one of his workshops again this upcoming weekend. And I have a feeling that my adreneline will be notched up on HIGH once again after the fact. It happens every time. I'm counting on that motivation to keep me moving in the right direction, for if it wanes, so do my dreams. And I can't let that happen.

And now it's time for me to get to it. Before I started writing this series, I couldn't bring myself to tell anyone that I was a stager/decorater. But now I can and do. There's a store down the road that is waiting for me to bring in my creations. My house currently has pieces in nearly every room that are primed as my garage is full.  I AM starting and I am going to bring my dream into reality!

And it's my sincerest hope that this series has encouraged you to do the same. This will be the last regular installment to this series, for it's time to move onto other things. However should I ever run into some good info that I know would be a wonderful inspiration piece to add to this collection, I'll be sure to post it.

Believe in yourself. Do things to motivate yourself to stay on it. Push through the insecure moments. Keep moving foward. Hang out with passionate folks that inspire you. Learn what you need to.

And then, Just. Do. It. Because, you CAN.

Defining your Passion - on Fear

Welcome to Week 5

Defining your Passion

Topic ~ on Fear

To recap:

Week 1 - Defining your interests

Week 2 - Removing obstacles keeping you from success

Week 3 - Changes necessary to make your dream happen

Week 4 - Establishing your niche

Week 5 - Fear

Clicking on the Passion button on the sidebar widget will capture the complete series.


Fear.

When you say the word fear, you mind may conjour up scary movies, or the potential of possible disasters to take place.

But you are reading this series for a reason. And it's my guess there's a much bigger fear residing in your heart right now. You know by now what you wish you could do. And why aren't you already doing it again?

Fear can TOTALLY keep you from proceeding with your passion filled dream. And the best way to fight the fear is to dig a little deeper to see where the root issue is coming from.


What is causing your fear? Here are some possible points to consider:


#1: Pursuing your passion may be deemed silly by others.

One thing I know of for sure is, everyone has an opinion. But just also know, opinions are just that. What makes something wrong for one may be completely right for another. Only YOU know what you love, desire to have and to be. Now those naysayers, what are they doing for a living again?!? Do they love what they do or did they take the 'more reasonable route?' Jealousy often comes across in lots of ways, and the naysayers rate pretty high up there. Don't let the back seat drivers blindside you. Do what is right for YOU.

When I started my current company, I don't remember anyone thinking I was crazy. It wouldn't have mattered anyway. I knew what I wanted and I went after it. And stunned a few on the way up.


2. Your dream may not bring you a decent income.

Rome wasn't built in a day. There's also no guarantee that your dream pursuit will bring you the kind of income you  desire. But we all know, those that are following their passions totally have a different mindset in life. And from that positive mindset, how can good things not become of it? Generally those that follow their passion are quite good at what they do. It's the passion that keeps them striving to be better at where they're at. It's trial and error. It's problem solving. They go go go because honestly, they can't stop. With all that 'practice,' it's pretty difficult to NOT be great at your chosen profession.

Why not start small on the side of your other income? Gradually progress with your passion while maintaining your current life's work and slowly morph things in the right direction. That is one of the safest ways to change your direction. I did this 15 years ago with my current career and I'm here to tell you it worked.

Here's my own experience again. I had a life partner at the time that provided a financial cushion. I soon didn't require the cushion and in fact, exceeded even my own expectations, including anyone around me. I didn't concentrate on the almighty dollar. I went after the dream and it provided me a very nice income. Build it and they will come. My current plan is to keep doing what I'm doing while building on my new passion. I have nothing to lose and any gain will be a bonus.


3. You may fail.

What if you aren't good enough? What if others don't like what you do? How on earth do you get past this one?!?

At some point, you just have to go for it.  Do what you desire for free for a friend and 'try it out.' Learn all you can so you have some education behind you. Work alongside someone doing what you wish to do to gain experience. Become confident in your abilities, and there's nothing that will get in your way. Become a positive influence to yourself. Try it in such a way where you're bonusing by trying, rather than losing. (ie: work your current job while trying the new one on the side)

Me again. When I started my current career working elsewhere doing the same thing, I had little training. I soon found I required more formalized training and improved rapidly from it because of my hunger to learn. Failure didn't enter my mind. Improving and doing did.


4. You aren't trained.

From my own observations, those that go full force towards their passions are hungry to learn learn learn. Education is power here. The library, online resources, and schooling can all get you where you need to go. Working alongside others doing the same thing can speed up your learning curve considerably.

I needed to learn how to work with tools so I started at the bottom, working with a company that offered me that type of hands on experience, alongside my regular career. I now have a garage full of tools that many  borrow on occasion. I have NO idea what I ever did without my 'toys' these days. Without those tools is like having arms with no hands. You totally need the right tools to do what you desire to do. So, get trained.

I'll use myself as another example. When I started my current company, I had no formal training whatsoever. So I jumped into school by day AND self taught myself in the evenings. (I was on employment benefits at the time so rather than sit at home and mope, I made the most out of my downtime) I went to the library and had at least 3 different books out on the same subject I was studing. I learned by day and practiced at night via those library books. I eventually bought product and equipment and started working nights and it just grew from there. I self taught myself nearly everything. It wasn't easy, but I refused to take "I can't" for an answer.


"A dream job should not be something left to chance, destined to live in the shadows of fear and fantasy. If you truly feel that your passion is leading you toward a more meaningful work life, then investigate the potential and lose the fear."

Quote from THIS ARTICLE.  I couldn't have said it better myself.

Another wonderful inspiring quick read is from Copy Blogger. Read their latest installment called, Kill Your Good Ideas.


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This week's deep thought ~ please put in this week's comments:

Think about what you wish to do. What fears are stopping you? How can you defeat them?

Your comments help me determine if there's continued interest in the series. Please let me know via comments if this installment helped you or if you're simply a continued supporter of this topic. Thanks!

Defining your Passion - Week 4

Finding your Niche

Welcome back!

First of all, join me in celebrating that I finally made a real button! Just goes to show, if you perservere towards your passion, you CAN do it! Thank-you, thank-you very much! Oh please... the applause is killing me. Have a seat and let's begin! And if you feel like using the beautiful new button (html version located on my right sidebar) on your sidebar while the series runs, that would make me smile BIG!

How to add the button on your sidebar:
copy the info inside the button
open your blog, select customize, select add a gadget
select html option, window opens
paste your info in that window, save
move your new gadget to your desired location
preview, then save! EASY!

Scenario #1

You're about to run out the door to grab an icecream with the kids. (like that's typical eh?) In your town you have two options. One is a hole in the wall store where they sell cheap icecream right beside their plumbing section. Fun times!

Your second option is a highly themed environment with nice tables to sit at, complete with those fans that push that incredible waffle cone aroma around. The cones are more $, but so is your experience. Which one would you choose if you wanted your 1 hour out the door as enjoyable and memorable as possible?

That example was pretty easy, like bad coffee from the gas station vs. a high end coffee house brew.  So let's try another angle...

Scenario #2

Let's say there were two high end icecream stores, however one had an outstanding playground as well as the best coffee in town, complete with decorating mags, (gotcha there) cushy chairs and they didn't rush you out the door. Which one? You know the answer to that one.

That is called niche marketing. When you provide something special that the other guy does not offer, that is your niche. And you're bound to get the business. EVEN if you're more expensive.


Recap -

Week 1 - you've defined your interests

Week 2 - removing obstacles keeping you from success

Week 3 - changes necessary to make your dream happen

Week 4 - establishing your niche


Do you need a niche?

Why can't you just decide to do something and do the best you can and be successful?

Some can get by with that. But just remember, if you do what the other guy does, you embedd yourself in a saturated market leaving you with ALOT of competition. You'll really have to jump some major hoops to get noticed and be successful. In the world of biz, you may have to lower your prices to remain in the game in order to be successful. But that doesn't sound very successful after all, does it?

Finding your special niche in your given passion gives your client a reason to come back to YOU.

So, think about it. If you want to be a decorator, what special talent do you possess that will float you in a different directon from the next gal?

Same applies to everything else in the world. Everything.

Ask yourself:

~ What separates me from the masses?

~ What would draw others towards ME?

~ What can I do with abit of a twist so I'm unique?

~ If I don't have that unique quality, what do I need to strive towards in order to obtain it?

I have a friend that does world class work. There is no one in the world that outputs work quite like his. No one. His stuff is one of a kind and he's able to demand the right price for it. I'm intensly proud that my friend has reached this status. And the masses come from around the globe for HIS work. Germany may have someone in Germany  that does similar work, but instead, my friend in Canada, half way across the world gets the call instead. That says an awful lot, doesn't it? He's got his niche well nailed and he's placed himself in a market of his own.

Ok, now it's your turn.

Please share below in the comments:


1. Name your passion. Next, name what niches you think you possess to make your passionate choice uniquely yours.

If you can't think of any you currently have, list ideas you need to strive towards.

2. Updates!

Please share how you feel about your findings to date. Are you implementing/doing anything about your dreams or still stuck in the wishing stages? Is there anything more I could provide in the series differently that could help you? Critique away!

Defining your Passion - week 3

On Change

(Click HERE to capture entire series)

My old cel phone totally croaked and I was without for about 2 weeks. It was time to go shopping.

At first, I had planned to simply stay with the same 'ol and find a new battery. However the battery was as expensive as a new phone, plus hard to find being an older model. So I allowed my eyes to wander towards something new and scary. It took me all of 5 minutes to make the decision. It was time for a change.

I didn't go into the change lightly. I had thought about it for quite some time. I was frustrated with the old technology not being able to take me where I wanted/needed to go. Fate offered me the perfect excuse to make the change. But it still took a leap of faith. It was still hard to do!

And boy oh boy, has this thing tested me in all things electronics. While it's easy to use, setting it up to talk to the web has not come easy for me. I strugged for quite some time until I realized, what I was doing was NOT working. I needed to change my strategy and call on someone that DID know what the score was with this doodad. He had me going in a few minutes. I suffered on my own for nearly 2 weeks. Wow.

Are you seeing abit of a pattern here? I resist change to a degree. While at times it's an exciting leap in a new direction, along with change comes new learning curves. And learning curves can cost money and eat up a bunch of time.

But think about it for one moment. If you are implementing a new strategy in your life, how will you ever get there if you don't make some changes to incorporate your new direction?

A friend's quote - "Be today what you wish to be tomorrow."

If you've been implementing the series, you now have before you quite a list of things you enjoy doing. And it's my bet, something on that list is staring you down hard. You're fighting the possible due to the change in your life that would have to occur if you moved forward on it.

So, change your thinking. Make a change!

Look at your list or think of something you'd love to be doing but are resisting. And think of the changes required in order for you to fullfill your next step. I challenge you to write them down.

If you don't change your strategy now, you won't progress in this. Ask me how I know.

Change. It's so hard yet so easy. Yet the only way to change things is to change.

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Instead of homework, I'm going to ask for your participation on the spot in the comments.

1. What is that one thing you so very badly would like to do?

2. What changes do you have to implement in order to make it happen?

Don't overthink it right now. Just wing it and comment right away. It's my gut feeling that we all know what we love, but we are simply holding ourselves back. Putting it into words may help bring reality to your situation.

Join me in the comments! I'll be adding mine too. :)

Defining you Passion Week 2 ~ Removing obstacles

Welcome to
Defining your Passion ~ Week 2

Removing Obstacles

So, have you done your homework? (click on above picture to capture entire series to date)

Recap of week one: we listed our interests in order to discover what our potential passion is.

How did you do? Did you find anything that surprised you? Or did you simply list what you already knew but just haven't moved on it yet?

You now have a master list to work off. So the obvious next step would be to start diving into some of your interests whole hog to see where they lead, right? So, what's stopping you?

Did you read my infamous incredible ladder post? Please give it a quick read because there's a lesson in it.

Ok, I just know you obediently did as you were told (and may even have learned a new trick, eh?) and now you're back. So let's continue.

Do you know what I did with that trim painting project? I REMOVED AN OBSTACLE.


Removing Obstacles

I can easily come up with a few obstacles (or dare I say EXCUSES...) for why you are not currently living your passion.

- lack of finances
- lack of time
- lack of skill/education
- no idea how to flip it into an income earner

_________________________________

With my fancy dancy ladder trick, I succesfully:

1. removed an obstacle.
2. tried something new.
3. learned something I can carry with me for my future endevours.

We remove obstacles a million times a day without even thinking about it. You won't get your clothes hung up if you don't hang them. The dishes will stay in the dishwasher until you unload them. Just, simple tasks we do without thinking about it and they're easy to accomplish because we already KNOW what it takes. But when you're faced with new obstacles never tackled before, things get tricky. Then we start our self doubt, fear and shut down and eat in front of the computer while we post a new blog post on something we already know. Right?!? ( insert crickets here)

And, don't overlook the climb to get to our goal. Imagine the card file you'll obtain accumulating all these NEW skills! Learning and figuring out new stuff is very rewarding and keeps us moving forward. And accomplishing new things is a total motivator and is flat out fun!

Now, I'd like you to pick something off your list (or something not on your list, you decide) you feel VERY passionate about and put it to the test. Something that has stopped you in your tracks time and time again because of all those obstacles. It's time to make the time and create your own climb.
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Assignment for week 2:

1. Share your discoveries about your week one if you desire. Did your list surprise you? Or... did you NOT do your homework?!? tsk tsk... maybe that's why you need to be here, yes? ;) Fess up so we can support you!

2. Select one thing off your list to tackle head on for this week. Now, break it down...

In order to accomplish it:

- try something new
- make the time
- educate yourself (online resources on how to, library for a book... etc)
- think of different ways you can flip this into an income earner if that is what you desire to do

Basically, remove your own obstacles you're placing before you, and JUST DO IT.
__________________________

So while you think of something to tackle off your list, I want you to listen to this. I've chosen this clip so you can sink into the words. May this song be just enough to motivate you to enjoy your own personal climb. :)

Comments? Suggestions? Updates on your progress? Feel free!

Defining your passion - week 1

You are invited...

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/search/label/Passion%20series

Defining Your Passion

Every Monday AM

~ a new assignment towards finding your own individual passionate side ~

Please feel free to observe or participate!

Week 1 ~ Defining your interests

Why?

Why do you want to do this? We all simply wake up, go through the roles of our daily routines, then go to bed again. We're ALL busy. Work, household, kids, just alot going on. Isn't that enough?

Only you can answer that one. But I personally know a few folks that are extremely passionate about something in their lives, and they carry themselves very differently than those that pound out a typical 9-5 kind of day.

I need to do this self defining exercise and here's why. I have my own business. Actually, I've had it for 15 years. And while I like it and all that self employment brings, I truly belief we morph every few years.

I think morphing is nature's way of saying, "You are ready for abit more now. Something new to add to the same 'ol mix. The new will bring you growth. And from that growth, renewed excitement and refreshed zest for life!"

Do you believe this could really happen for you?
I have a friend that is currently living his dream job. Everything he does taps into his passionate side, and I mean pretty much everything. And one of his favorite quotes I think of often is,
"You CAN do it. But if you say you can't, I believe you."
Meaning, if you say you can't, then you won't. Sad thought, isn't it?

In the introductory post on this series, we've defined what passion is. Now it's time to figure out what that is for each of us. Here is some help for your own personal search... it's lengthly but oh so well written!

HOW to find your passions

(Source from HERE.)

1. What puts a smile on your face?

Is there a particular event, a particular topic that makes your whole face just lighten up? Whatever it is that makes you smile, and makes you happy whenever you encounter it, this is a sign of something you are passionate about.

I truly believe that happiness and passion walk hand in hand. Both require each other. So following what makes you truly happy is a wonderful way to figuring out what you were put on Earth for. Think about something that you do or that perhaps you used to do that brings total peace to you when you do it. Peace is happiness, and happiness is passion.

2. What do you find easy?

Usually, what we find easy for us to do, will be related to what we are passionate about. It’s very hard to hate something that is very easy for us! For example, let’s say you are naturally good at playing the piano, you will find the activity easy, and this ease makes it much more fun for you. Fun leads to happiness and happiness is synonymous with passion So assess everything that you do, whatever it is that you find really easy and fun, this may very well be your passion. And don’t think that anything is off limits or silly. Some people have taken their passion for skateboarding, drawing, or collecting to full fledged careers. Remember this, you can make a career out of anything you are passionate about.

3. What sparks your creativity?

One of my passions growing up was hockey. It’s not too surprising, being Canadian and all But I remember playing for hours and hours, and always coming up with different plays, and different methods to score goals. I was always full of creativity when playing hockey. Later in life, I developed similar creativity in business. Think about something in your life where you seem to always expand its horizon, always coming up with new, fun, and exciting ideas relating to that subject. Whatever makes you creative, is probably something that you are very passionate about.

4. What would you do for free?

In this society, we are ruled by the almighty dollar. That’s the way the system works, and that’s the game we have to play. The problem is, this leads many people to seek making money first, instead of what makes them happy.

I have read countless number of stories about stock brokers and doctors for example, leaving their high paying positions to follow what they really love. There is a reason for that. I truly believe that if you follow what you are passionate about without thinking about if it will make you rich or not, you will end up being successful.

Doing what you have a passion for brings out your best, and this leads to greatness. Greatness breezes to success. Do you think that the most successful people in the world got to where they are because they wanted to get rich? Absolutely not, they did what they were so passionate about, and their immense success was just a byproduct of their dedication.

So think about something that you would just love to do, even if you were not getting paid. Think about something that you look forward to do, something that you wish you could do all the time.

5. What do you like to talk about?

The topics of conversation we have can definitely tell what we are interested in, and this is a good way to find out what we really enjoy in life. Most of the time, we aren’t totally aware of this. This is why, a very good way to figure this out properly, is to ask your friends. Ask them what they believe you like to talk about the most. Ask them what topic makes your eyes brighten up, and changes your entire behavior. I can guarantee you that some of their answers will be surprising to you. Some of these things weren’t that clear to you, but your friends can see the reaction on your face that you can’t see yourself.

6.What makes you unafraid of failure?

When we do what we are passionate about, we have total confidence in our abilities. This makes us not worry about failing, because in our mind, how can we fail when we do what we love? Doing what you love is a success in and of itself, so failure is like an impossibility.

Think of something that you just do or want to do, no matter what. Something that you do not have second thoughts about. Think about something that you feel you must do and that failure is not even a concern of yours, because the mere act of doing it is like the journey and the destination all wrapped up in one. This may very well be your true passion.

7. What would you regret not having tried?

We all have these dreams, and somehow, life pushes us in another direction, and next thing we know, we are far from those dreams we used to have. If you were at the end of your life, what would you regret not having pursued? What would you have liked to do, that you didn’t get a chance to? Think about what that might be. Whatever it is that you may experience regret now or later on for not having tried, this is a good chance to be your true passion. There is nothing worse than arriving at the end of the journey and having regret. This is why finding your passion, and following it is so important. Live your life so that you do not have regrets.

Assignment for week 1

a) list your interests.

-hobbies

-activities

-people

-places

-weather patterns

-locations

-travel

-tools (what you like working on/with)

-regrets if you don't try

-things that make you feel confident

-topics you like to talk about

-what would you do for free

-what sparks your creativity

b) Take care of yourself.

When you're in a place of calm, spend one week paying close attention to what excites you, touches you, inspires you to think in a whole new way, or even frustrates you. Watch for clues. Stories in newspapers, programs on television or conversations with friends may give you an indication of those things that will lead you to your passions.

c) Come back and report in if you'd like to share.

Feel free to use the comments section within week 1's installment and briefly share any new discoveries/thoughts you currently have due to your lists. Are there any surprises? Was it difficult/easy? Let's hear how you did! Just have it done by Monday because there's more to come!

d) Share the knowledge!

I won't make ya, but I'd love it if you'd share the blog button on your blog somewhere while the series runs if you are taking part. Or just in one blog post is cool too. I'd consider that a very special 'thanks for your efforts, blog-girl!' I stayed up till 2:30 am last night preparing the first installment. I'm feelin' the pain but I was excited and had PASSION for it! (ooooo lightbulb moment there!)

I don't know how to make a 'real' blog button, so I linked up the entire passion series to that picture. The link is also right below the picture, so whatever works for you!

If you prefer to do this openly on your own blog and would like to link up through Mr. Linky for your assignments, we can do that too! Please let me know in the comments if you'd like that option and I'll get a Mr. Linky going for you. Until then, feel free to add your direct link in the comments so we can still visit your findings!

Happy soul searching to all!

Comments? Suggestions? Feel free!

Off topic: does anyone know WHY I cannot get my little picture to show up on blog rolls when the posts are done via Windows Live Writer? Arg!

Nailing your passion

We all hear the stories of those living their passion. Those folks are eager to bounce out of bed and get a move on! If you are one of those that don't feel just like that, you aren't living your passion.

And I happen to be one of them. I have many passions actually. And it's been tricky to focus on just one that can bring me eventual income. Isn't that the dream? Living your passion as your work? It most certainly is for my current sole parent lifestyle. I don't have a choice but to earn a living and I want to ADORE what I do.

I use to have passion for my current work before my son came along. When he entered my life, my passion was all about him. 10 years later, it's still my passion to be his parent. However, I'll admit, once I punched through the baby raising fog and divorce healing, my creativity surfaced once again.

This sums up passion perfectly:


LETTING PASSION FLOW

I came upon this article on PASSION written by life coach Lindsay Sukornyk and I am so excited to share it with you. ENJOY!

“What are you passionate about?” – one of my favorite questions that often stops people in their tracks. People often reply, “Passion? What’s passion? How do I know I have it? I don’t think I have any – how do I find it?”

What is passion?

Passion: feeling alive, fulfilled and full of energy. The buzz you get when you’re truly excited – about a thought, a relationship, a feeling or an activity. It’s turning on the faucet of joy when you’re engaged in what excites you.

How do I know I have it?

You may feel a sense of calm. You’ll feel it in every cell of your body, feeling lighter, freer and at peace. Time seems to stand still when you’re engrossed in a passion. If you make a living doing what you’re passionate about, you’ll find yourself saying, “I can’t believe I actually get paid to do this!” Passion can be experienced as a moment of bliss – a feeling that everything is exactly as it should be.

How do I find it?

The road to living a passion-filled life is one of ongoing evolution. Here are some of the steps of this journey:

Reflect.

Think about the people, places, things, ideas and activities in your life that have made you feel alive.

Tweak.

Notice where you incorporated the things that light you up and adjust your activities to allocate more time and energy into the things that bring you passion

Eliminate.

Sometimes the path to passion is blocked by negativity. To eliminate these blocks, shift your thoughts to ones of possibility: redesign relationships that consistently bring your down: change your life circumstances – job, lifestyle, location – to provide a framework for passion. Take a stand for your passion by doing the tough work of eliminating the blocks.

Leap.

Living a passionate life is not for the faint at heart. Take risks, do things differently and be open to the vulnerability inherent in living a full, passionate life. Without risk there are no returns.

Notice.

Over time, your passions may change. What worked five years ago may no longer light your fire. That’s evolution. Notice what’s real for you now and make the necessary adjustments to realign with the “new you”.

Savour.

Be grateful for all you create – it’s essential. Bathe in the experience of living a life that reflects you, at your best. Being true to yourself creates a flow that will have you constantly feeling lucky, as you attract more and more of what you want into your life.

The good news: the more you practice, the easier it is to live a passion-filled life – creating a life of fun and ease!

I have found my passion and I know how it feels to have that sense of calm and excitement all at once! My wish is that each of you can experience that same joy!

Carrie
http://www.thepassionatehome.com/shows.html

Are you interested in nailing what your own personal passion is and discover all that you can do with it? If you are, I'd like you to join me in my own personal series of Nailing Your Passion, right here on Funky Junk Interiors.

Just know, I'm no expert on the subject. I'm finding my own. But it's my hope, while I find and tweak my eventual goals, that you can reach where you need to go as well.

And I'm going to ask for your opinions, BIG TIME. And even give you weekly homework where you can share your progress via Mr. Linky!

So, two of my goals for this week are, figuring out the Mr. Linky thing AND making a button for this series! (nothing like diving in head first without goggles) And when I figure out those two things, I'll teach you how to do it too!

Now, I need your feedback.

Does this series interest you? Are you at a standstill on where to take your passions and desires and could use this kind of inspiration? It is my hope that by sharing my personal travels, you can rediscover what lies within you as well. So, wana do this together?