How to Unleash Your Passion

Written by Kelly Epperson

Some folks pop out of the womb knowing that they want to be a rock star, artist, teacher, priest, dentist, botanist, clock maker, and it guides their path from an early age.

Maybe we all are born with internal knowing, but for most, it gets buried over the years. Life becomes about expectations (usually others' expectations that we try to live up to) and whatever our passion is, it tends to get lost in the fray.

Then at some point, the question hits: "What the heck do I really want to do?"

There are many skill tests, strength tests, and personality tests, and all can be helpful. There are also "tests" you can conduct on yourself.

Start by simply paying attention to the activities you do in any given day. Does that activity, in general, drain you or energize you?

For example, when I first started my column, I was employed elsewhere and not writing at all. Reading my local newspaper, a "mommy columnist article", something in me said, "I can do that." I submitted a story to the editor and was accepted. My inner voice had prompted me and I am so glad I listened.

I became fully absorbed in writing those personal essays. Completely lost in the activity, time whizzed by and I was 100% entrenched, not looking at the clock, not feeling frustrated. I was absolutely in the flow.

I knew: This is what I'm meant to do. This feels good and right. Now, I do indeed write every day.

What do you do where you totally, deeply, fully, lose yourself?

It usually is something that comes easy and thus you take it for granted. Because wood working is a natural talent for you, you think it's easy for everyone.

Maybe you spend hours on a project. You feel good inside. Sure there are minor frustrations and equipment mishaps, and at the end of the day, you may feel tired, but you don't feel drained.

There will always be tough days, even doing what you love, but the overall feeling resonates that this is what you were meant to do.

Some things may surprise you. I never predicted that I'd be a speaker or how much I would love it. I come alive in front of a group and want to convey what I know to be true – that we all can live happier lives.

When you believe in your message, you want to share it. You may want to share your love of woodworking by teaching or by gifting/selling the projects you make.

Your JOY Assignment:

Start to notice what activities light you up, and what leaves you feeling uninspired and lethargic.

You might be good at many things. That's great, but even if you are a kickbutt violin player, do you come alive when playing? Does it stir something inside of you? If not, it's not your passion.

Do not listen to what others tell you. They mean well, but this is between you and you.

Maybe you can visualize a boring yard and turn it into a landscape delight. Maybe you can teach sign language. Maybe you love fixing computers that have crashed.

We need every talent and skill imaginable.

Think back to what you loved as a child. What activities did you lose yourself in? Did you love animals? exploring? getting messy in the kitchen? creating stories in your mind? tinkering with stuff to see how it worked?

Explore your interests, old and new. See how you feel during and after. Does a day at photography workshop energize you? Does the idea of breeding Labradoodles excite you?

Start by dabbling. Pay attention to your body response. When you find something you love to do, you will feel it. Allow yourself to feel the passion.

You can pursue it as a hobby, a side gig, or you can leap right in. Right now, the goal is to unleash the passion. It's in you. You just have to let it bubble up. What makes you come alive?