This weekend I was speaking with a woman who asked me how I had so much confidence to take chances and put myself out there. Without even a blink, I answered her, "I have confidence because I have passion."
In every aspect of my life, I truly try to find a way to give back. I have specific things that I'm very passionate about; children (specifically early childhood education), health and wellness, friendships, running, and life long learning. With those passions, I have spent much time thinking about how best to give back to the world around me. I explained to her that the way I see it, life is about balancing what you give and what you gain. The things I give myself to most, are the things in which I gain the most as an individual. I'm not meaning that I look at things as a "what's in it for me?" attitude, but I do look for things to add to my life that I feel empower me, strengthen me as a woman/mother/friend and I have always looked at every experience in life as an opportunity for me to better myself so that I could give my best to those around me.
I can have passion that fuels talent, but if they aren't shared to enhance my life and the lives around me, then is it really a talent at all? Looking at the things that bring me success and happiness, I find that it is by creating services, building relationships, spreading knowledge and sharing experiences I reach true success and accomplishment. Ten years ago, I felt myself driven by the passion to create a warm and nurturing environment that fostered learning and discovery for young children. I watched as my own children flourished through the program, community families came and went and I forever hold their young ones in my heart. I've had the opportunity to see amazing child advocates work within my program, spreading their love and knowledge and connecting with each student and many parents/families, over the years.
Five years ago, I developed a passion for health and wellness and I pushed myself beyond limits to change myself; my body, my mind, my life. I found such passion in the transformation that I couldn't bare to keep it to myself, I wanted others to find their inner strength and I wanted to be that support and that cheerleader for them as they embarked upon their own journey of health and wellness. I'm now surrounded by a community of people who live each day with the mindset to better themselves through exercise and whole nutrition. It's an amazing feeling to know that we might not have all the answers and there's no secret formula for health, but we fight for our best versions of ourselves.
In recent years, I've discovered a passion for running. The friendships and bonds I have with fellow runners is unparalleled. It is unlike any other exercise. The hours of time spent on pavement, talking it (whatever IT may be) out, climbing the hills, caring for in the injuries and the people they belong to. We cross those lines, jumping into each others' arms, not only because another race is finished, but because we were together for every step. The passion has grown to give us confidence that we could run a marathon together, but not just to participate in yet another foot race; we're using this passion and talent to raise money and awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma. We run because we can. We run because we want to give back. We want to share our talent, share our passion, share our love and the support we feel and give to those who really need it too.
Passion becomes talent when it is shared. Look for the things that bring you joy. What makes your heart soar? What gives your day worth
...and how can you share that with those around you? Life is too short to step cautiously into your dreams. You must jump up and go in the direction that fulfills you hopefully through your journey you can inspire, encourage and uplift someone's passion and ignite more talent into the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment