Let’s talk about passion.
The definition of passion is an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. Other than your significant other or children, is there something that ignites intense desire within you?
Think of someone you know that embodies passion. What are they passionate about? How do you feel when you are around them watching them in their element filled with passion?
It brings me joy when I see someone passionate about something. It is their proactive way of living and their enthusiasm that is so captivating. They are in touch with their deepest desires and actively trying to live them out. They are brave & confident in their pursuit. I LOVE their energy! They exude happiness and light up whenever they talk about their passion. Their energy and excitement are palpable, and it draws us in.
When I was trying for a baby through IVF, I felt so strongly about changing my eating habits so that I could be in a better position to become pregnant and carry my baby. I wanted to know everything there was about a healthy diet so I saw a nutritionist, bought organic foods, and read books and magazines about food and nutrition. I started collecting healthy recipes and learned how to cook these healthy meals. I was on a mission. My goal was to feed myself and my family nutritious whole foods (not refined or processed). My passion for healthy food has been alive ever since. Healthy food energizes me and makes me happy, but once I sort of mastered it, I was ready for something new to explore.
When I became a single mom to my son, I began to look for something all my own that would spark joy and passion within me. I needed something new to offer me the energy and strength that would help me as a single mom. At that time in my life, I wanted the joy and distraction I knew a new hobby or interest could provide.
I started going to the gym, and it totally fueled me and carried me through the hardship and pain associated with divorce and becoming a solo parent. I could open the gym door and take off. I needed the outlet and freedom that the classes could provide. I was so energized by the people around me. Each class represented a new experience and a new beginning. I always came home grateful. Grateful I was alive, grateful I could move my body, and grateful I just got to experience so much energy and the feeling of being alive and achieving new goals. I connected with my inner being. All that gratitude fueled me. I brought it home to my son; it carried us during difficult times in our lives.
Now let’s fast forward a bit to when I discovered Zumba. I started doing Zumba to help me with my stamina. I loved these classes for ALL the reasons I mentioned but my body needed more balance, so I sought out pilates to develop more posterior muscles. I never planned to love pilates, (always shied away from it in the past) but it did not take long for me to realize that I was actually pretty good at it, and I really enjoyed it. There is always room to improve or a new skill to learn. I think that is what hooked me. I LOVE a challenge. I love setting goals and then attempting to crush them. By going to the gym, I had achieved really all that I could see myself achieving, so this was perfect for me. I would never be able to reach the end goal. There would always be a way to learn more, improve more, and be challenged!
Zumba and pilates became my passion, and this is when I really started to understand and connect with my inner being. I needed to fuel this physical being with my mental being. Once again, I found myself longing for something new to fuel me.
When I went back to school to become a certified life coach NLP practitioner, this is when I truly came alive. It was like someone turned the lights back on for me. Working and going to school while raising my son in a country where I did not speak the language was nearly impossible. I spent many late nights studying and many early mornings staring at my computer… but I loved it.
I have always been told by those around me that I inspire them by my energy and proactive approach to life. I empowered them to reach for their dreams. Now I am very passionate about helping others. I have suffered through so many of life’s traumas, heartache, and pain. I came into coaching to make a difference and help transform lives, but I did not know that it would become my passion.
I take every class that is offered, attend every conference I can, and practice new skills as often as possible. Many of my clients will tell you that I have been known to call them up to discuss something I recently learned that may help them. I am always reading books or enrolling in a new program to further my knowledge so that I can make a difference.
This is passion.
Before I found the gym and before I became a life coach and empowering others to be the best they can be, I did not really understand what passion was or how it impacts your life. I spent most of my life without experiencing the excitement and joy of waking up to a new day filled with endless opportunity and possibility. I never want to live life without it. It is our passions and joy that give our lives meaning and create momentum; they define us. Passion is at the heart of who we are and what we do.