Passion. What is it? What words describe ‘passion’ for you? For me: emotion, strong energy, focus, desire, inspired, drive, dream, identity, fulfilling, intense, cause, vocation, hobby and calling. Of course their use depends on the context. Related words include passionate and compassion.
Dictionary.com defines ‘passion’ as 1) any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, such as love or hate; 2) a strong, amorous feeling or desire, such as love or affection; … 6) a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything.
You can be passionate about your favorite sports team. It’s one thing to be a fan, even a raving fan. But to be passionate about your team? I’ve heard of research that has shown an increase in pregnancy the night after a person’s team wins or an increase in violent crime and suicide after they lose. Can’t cite that research, but I do have a story about a pitcher from the Minnesota Twins after they won the 1987 World Series though. Maybe you live and die with the Portland Timbers or the Chicago Cubs. That’s passion.
There’s being passionate with your lover and partner. Her beautiful eyes, her electric smile. Daytime walks with the dog, nights under the stars, beach vacations, quietly at home, dancing at a concert, sharing a cup of coffee, dinner parties, laughing at inside jokes, the sex, … She walks in the room and you get goose bumps. That’s passion.
People are passionate in fighting for social causes – poverty, racism, both sides of abortion rights, climate change, human rights, immigration, taxation, crime, the environment, social justice, criminal justice. I studied criminal justice in college and, for a short time, was a police officer trainee. The sad crap I saw in that short time is enough to fire up those passionate about crime and justice. That’s passion.
What about you and your work? Does your job, your company or your industry elicit the same emotions your sports team, social cause or lover bring out in you? Maybe you’re lucky that your work blends your passion for your team, social cause or partner. Can you say you love what you do, you love who you do it with/for, and you love who you are while you do it? I hope so.
Early on I was passionate about serving teens through recreation services that let me be a positive influence on their lives as an activity leader, tutor and camp counselor. Through working at the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, in camps and in school-age care programs I wanted to be that role model and resource. As my life has evolved, today I’m more passionate about developing people of all ages, especially as a mentor and teacher to other professionals. Their industry doesn’t matter, just let me help them enjoy their lives more. I find no lack of energy to pursue what I’m passionate about or to spend time with those who bring out such passion in me.
Are you so lucky that you have powerful or compelling feelings towards yourself, your family, your work or your recreation? Were you once that lucky in your early years but life has evolved away from such joy? How can you get that strong or extravagant enthusiasm back? Without undoing your past but rather growing towards a fantastic future, what habits can you change to get that passion for your life back?
Live with passion – sing, dance, smile, devote, laugh, create, and love.
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