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pas·sion
Noun
1 : a strong feeling or emotion He spoke with passion.
2 : an object of someone’s love, liking, or desire Art is my passion.
3 : strong liking or desire : love She has a passion for music.
When we speak of passion we typically talk about it as an emotion and in relation to people we share our lives with. But rarely do we speak of our passion for something a will to action. It’s how we gather our strength and drive our decisions.There are stories and articles that speak “Awakening passion” or “Finding what we are passionate about”. But these don’t happen easy or overnight. There is a love of what we are doing or the goal in mind that becomes the driving force for our actions. There is a need to connect to something more meaningful. That is passion. We wanted to share some thoughts about what passion means from other perspectives.
“The happiness of a (wo)man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.” Alfred Lord Tennyson
Following your passions isn’t enough. It takes practice and work toward becoming a master at your passions. Whether its building a website, knitting scarves or public speaking, it takes time and effort to become proficient. Learn your craft, build your network and make the connections you need to build.
“My passions were all gathered together like fingers that made a fist. Drive is censored aggression today: I knew it then as purpose.” Betty Davis
There is power in knowing your purpose. It drives how and why you make your decisions. This leads towards ideas and goals setting. There’s power in believing in yourself and your own potential. It drives others to want to support you and empowers them to act. This can be your fuel to continue working when you want to stop.
“Only as you do know yourself can your brain service you as a sharp and efficient tool. Know your own failings, passions and prejudices so you can separate them from what you see.” Bernard M Baruch
The work doesn’t come easy but it makes you grow. Following what you truly love can help you to learn what you’re capable of and how far you are willing to go for what you want. When you want something you push yourself to achieve.
“We should every night call ourselves to an account; What infirmity have I mastered today? What passions opposed? What temptation resisted? What virtue acquired? Our vices will abort of themselves if they be brought every day to the shrift?” Seneca
When you find your passion, hold yourself accountable to continue in your work. Once you start to find your rhythm, your habits may change. Your priorities will be centered around reaching your goals. Take into account what you stand to gain and what you are willing to part with for your passion.
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“Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things.” Denis Diderot
Finding what you truly enjoy doing is rewarding. It can make your days feel fuller and when you end your day your exhaustion has more meaning. It becomes habitual and almost addictive.
“Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, harness your power to your passion. Honor your calling. Everybody has one. Trust your heart and success will come to you.” Oprah Winfrey
Honor what you are doing and own it. If you feel that this work is important, it’s because it is. The work you are doing may seem small but it means something to someone, even if that someone is only you right now. Continue to do the work, revel in the hustle and bustle. Speak with gusto when you speak about what you’re doing.
So sis, ask yourself what drives you to do the work you’re doing? Are you passionate about your purpose?
About the author: Brandy Collins is a Bay Area native living in Scorpio magic, observing of the world, and telling stories about people in random places. Follow on twitter @gurl79 or Instagram @story_soul_collector