What are you not doing in life today that really brings you excitement and joy? Start doing it.
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Any man who has a pulse can probably come up with a million reasons why he does not do what he really wants to do in life. From “the economy is bad” to “I don’t have the right skills” (and both may be valid), that list could go from New York to San Francisco.
I want to offer that there is a deeper passion within men. Sure, the word “passion” comes up and many connect it with sex. Let’s put the rim-rattling, headboard-shaking sack action to the side for a few minutes.
The passion that I’m talking about is what gives men a reason to arise each morning and welcome in the sunshine.
It’s the passion of truly doing what their heart is calling them to do. I don’t care if it is writing a book, teaching school, running a marathon, caring for your partner or elderly parents, or cooking the greatest meal ever tasted. The list goes on.
If that is what you are “called” to do, then do it.
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A number of years ago, I felt like my life’s calling was to become an ordained Christian minister. There were some years spent discerning this call and I even spent a semester in seminary. I was learning a lot and found myself being stretched in new ways. Unfortunately, that path ended and … well … obviously we are here sharing this space together instead of me shepherding a congregation.
Having that direction of my life come to a screeching halt was not fun. It was painful. I felt like I was on the journey to be a pastoral counselor. That’s what I wanted to do … be there for people who were going through family traumas, addictions and personal dilemmas and support them. Not just “let me pray for you” and send them out on their way. If you knew me a little bit more, then you’d know that doing that is not in my DNA.
But hey, it’s just you and me (and a few others) sharing space here.
Nowadays, I’ve rediscovered a passion that came alive in me while doing some soul work in 2010. It’s around being an advocate for children, adults and parents within the cleft and craniofacial community around the world. I do a weekly podcast and talk about the emotional issues, such as anger, fear, frustration, loneliness, isolation, etc., that can truly tear down those of us with cleft lip, cleft palate or craniofacial anomalies.
There are other passions in my life, too. And I know there is a passion within your own self, my man.
The question is … what is it? What is the inner spark that might have been dampened because of life’s concerns, fears and worries?
Anthony Robbins, teacher, speaker, workshop leader and author of “Money: Master The Game,” is known for saying “Live with passion.”
If you are anywhere near that feeling of awe and wonder about your life, then I’d suggest that it is close to passion. Putting your personal energy and emotion into it ramps that baby up a few notches.
Hmm … there are a few “yeah buts” floating around right now. Let me make room for the naysayers.
“I don’t have a passion. I don’t need a passion. It’s overrated garbage. I got some money, a couple of friends and a good life. I don’t need no stinkin’ passion.”
Mr. Negativity and his band of broken dreams have spoken. Thanks for sharing.
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Now, what is your passion?
What do you want to do when you grow up?
I mean it. Did the dream of being a husband, teacher, singer, actor, musician, or comedian die inside when taking care of other people? Don’t you think that experience – all of it around taking care of others’ needs – might be worth something in the marketplace?
“You never know unless you give it a go.” (Tweet that out to your friends today!)
Spend a few minutes this week, think about and write down what three passions bring you the most joy in your life today.
Express gratitude for them and thank them for their presence. From friends, work, family, life, the weather, sunshine, nature … you name it … follow the process and see what happens. There definitely is a magic within having and sharing gratitude either through meditation or in conversation with friends.
You just might be surprised at what shows up when this happens. Dare I say that miracles happen? For those who are more grounded, I’ll just say that beautiful occurrences are possibilities. Discover or rediscover your own passion and my hope is that you will follow it, even with baby steps, each day. It, and you, do matter.
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Photo: Getty Images