Steps to Finding Your Passion

I was browsing the Oprah website and came across this. I have been following Oprah closely for quite some time now, and am very impressed. I have discovered things about myself, that I never knew you can even think about !!

Some months back, I started working on myself. I started thinking about "what is my passion?"

I'll tell you why I started this quest.
Through a lot of reading, and numerous Oprah Shows later, I came to the understanding that if you do what you are passionate about, first of all the work becomes an amazing experience every day, you are self-driven to do it, you just love everything about it; and best part is that success comes and it comes BIG time !!

There are lots of examples around of people who followed their passion and are successful in their endeavour. There are people who love cooking and they followed it up and became super chefs, there are people who like acting and are great actors...you pick any field, famous or not famous and you will see examples of people who just followed their passion.

Being brought up in a typical middle-class family in India, I never was told about knowing your passion or taking up subjects that really interest you. I today can tell you all that I would have loved to study Architecture, Arts, Archeology or even loved to be a Doctor. I have missed out on all these things as an education, but I do follow each one on my own level. One decision A and I have made about our son (and future children) is that we will help him/them to discover their passion, and help in every way to follow it.

OK, now back to discovering my passion. I found this article by life coach Cheryl Rishardson, and was amazed at how simply she has explained the discovery process in easy steps. I have to share these with you all, so that it helps you in discovering your true passions.

Step One: Get Quiet.
For most people, the road to connecting with passion begins with practicing good self-care. This means slowing down, spending time with yourself, taking good care of your body and mind, nurturing your spirit, and engaging in activities that will move you out of your head and into your body. Once you become passionate about your self-care, you'll know you're on the right track.
This step is about, first of all appreciating yourself, realising your self-worth and discovering the little joys that are hidden in a manicure, or a new hair cut. Get to know your body, what creams you like, what scent puts you in what mood, etc. Don't you come across some people who know themselves so well that they can absolutely pick up the most accurate lipstick shade, give clear instructions to the hair stylist. These people are in-tune with themselves and know things about the self. The bottom line is that you have to love yourself first in order to do something that you love.

Step Two: Become Sensitive to Your Environment.
Once you're more connected to your feelings, you'll be ready to do a little exploring to discover the specific, personal things that best ignite your passions. Spend one week paying close attention to what excites you, touches you, inspires you to think in a whole new way, or even frustrates you. Watch for clues. Stories in newspapers, programs on television or conversations with friends may give you an indication of those things that will lead you to your passions

Often times, you maybe reading the same kind of blogs, news, like reading about the latest trend in furniture, the tiger conservation project in your country, the political scenario in the country or elsewhere etc. Gather such information about yourself, better still write it down.

Step Three: Answer a Series of Questions.

• What interest, passion or desire are you most afraid of admitting to yourself and others?
• What do you love about yourself?
• Who do you know that's doing something you'd like to do? Describe yourself doing it.
• How could you make the world a better place for yourself and others?
• What's stopping you from moving forward with exploring your passion?

Believe me the above questions are not simple. You have to dig DEEP to answer them truthfully. You could have some sobby moments, you could need to talk to your friend, your mom who ever you think can understand what you are trying to achieve, and someone who can help you find those dots to join in to make the picture perfect.

Step Four: Go on a Treasure Hunt.
Go on a treasure hunt in your own home. The things you hold onto can provide clues to your interests and passions.Do you make connections to old pictures? A special memento from a memory that means something to you? How does what you find make you feel about yourself and your dreams?

Oh this was fun for me, because I realised that I love collecting artifacts, quaint pieces and put them together. I often get compliments on the little collections I have in my home. I love small pottery items, older the better. I love books, reading them. I love stationary items, pens, pencils of every kind. I love cooking the 'not-everyday-stuff' like paav-bhaji, chole, biryani, cakes, etc. I love being 'in-touch' with friends, knowing what is going on at their end. I love giving advice!! ha ha ha I know a lot of times it may seem like an unwanted or un-solicited advice; but hey I'm working on it; coz I've now learnt that 'knowledge speaks and wisdom listens' !!
I have also realised that I love to write, and it brings back memories from school days when my teachers would love all my essays and biographies. I remember once I had done a biography of a road !! Gosh my imagination sure was running wild on the road !! But you know what, I love that about myself, being able to imagine, empathise, and actually put it down on paper. One big Muaaahhhh to myself !!

Step Five: Take a Risk.
Stop thinking about your passions and start doing something. Take a risk, and step out to try something new. By challenging your fear with action, you'll not only raise your self-esteem, you'll expand your comfort zone. If you're not sure of what to do, ask a trusted friend or partner for ideas. Remember that good luck happens when you're in action. And, if you try something new (even if you're not sure of the outcome), you may discover a passionate interest by accident!

I have yet to do something drastic or not-in-my-comfort-zone kind of activity. But will keep you all posted.

Happy discovery!!

Do let me know when you find your passion, and if you need any help along the way, just drop me a line at: neelum@gmail.com