Passion.
That word alone is enough to make me drop to my knees. It sends a rush of energy through my body and makes me damn excited to live the best life imaginable. But it wasn’t always this way. Before I really knew how to interpret the word “passion,” I was afraid of it.
Growing up, I had a lot of passions: singing, playing piano, helping others, softball, basketball, spirituality, and writing. I always loved what I was passionate about but my ego always got in the way. It told me that I was not “the best” at any of those things and, therefore, they had no place in my future. Silly ego! If I wasn’t going to become a professional singer-songwriter, then I mine as well give up music altogether. If I wasn’t going to become a journalist, then I should throw my poetry and random lyrics in the trash. I ignored the voice. I kept performing and I kept writing – and it always felt damn good. It expanded me and made me more compassionate towards others.
Somewhere along the way, that girl got lost. All throughout college, I felt so disconnected from my inner guide (my truth). I loved nutrition but I didn’t like the nutrition major. The science-based approach didn’t resonate with me and I wanted to learn more about behavioral patterns and the food itself. I sought passion in outside sources (school, my relationship with Matty, exercise, food, nutrition, writing, singing, playing piano) but nothing worked. I didn’t find passion. And that’s why I didn’t find it – because I was looking for it.
On September 28 2011, I decided to start this blog. I decided to breathe my passion for plant-based living and connecting spiritually with others into the internet. Now, over a year later, passion oozes through my fingers every day as I type on these keys. What I learned is this: Passion is not something you look for “out there.” Passion is something that is already inside of you. The key to finding your passion is to bring passion to everything you do. Yes, everything. I make my bed with passion. I make my coffee with passion. I clean my toilet with passion (okay, maybe I’m still working on that one). In all seriousness, though, once you start doing everything with passion, your true passions shine through. And you are a shining star baby!
A few weeks ago, I was watching Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday episode with The Next Generation of Spiritual Thinkers. My girl Marie Forleo said it: “The secret to finding our passion is to bring passion to everything we do.” Amen, my stunning soul sister. It’s so true. It’s not about what you can get out of a situation – it’s about what you can give. The second we start bringing passion to everything we do, that’s when the cool stuff happens. For example, in July, I told the Universe I was ready for a new challenge. Next thing I know, Kasey is emailing me for advice on going plant-based and we spiral into starting our gorgeous #plantPOWER challenge.
Make a committment to yourself to live passionately. You can have many passions and they can come in different forms. Be open to that and own the fact that you are an infinite possibility. You are passion.
Stay lovely,
Heather
Gorgeous, passionate post lady! I have finally found my passion and feel like I’m alive again having felt like I was living in a bubble for too many years than is healthy to even consider let alone dwell on! Here’s to living passionately!
Amen, sister! You’re so talented. Keep on shining, my beautiful friend!
all I have to say is I needed this post! I am having such a downer day about life and this is exactly what I needed!! Thank you!
YAY! You have SO much in you, Kaitlin. I SEE IT. You’re amazing.
You are my soul sista! I love this post so much. I spent so many years living in such a dark world, deep down I knew I had so much inside of me to give and so much passion to share but my ego took over me and made me believe I was worthless. Now my passions are starting to shine again and “miracles” are happening baby! Life is beautiful!! xo
YES – MY GIRL! We are SUCH kindred spirits. I wish we could meet up every day. But for now, we MUST Skype. Chatski needs to happen, no?!
It’s so hard to imagine you without passion. I have been continually inspired by just how passionate and compassionate you are. Thank you for another wonderful and inspiring reminder that we are all worth it!
OH girl, there are days when my passion is just dwindling in the wind. It can be such a challenge to bring myself back sometimes – but remembering that whisper is always helpful.
You are ALWAYS worth it, Becki.
Ugh, I love this SO much! This is the best post I’ve read all week. You are seriously amazing, Heather. Wise, wise words my dear friend. <3
FRIEND! Good Lord. You make me cry. Sap alert. <3
LOVE this post Heather! I just recently realized this myself, and to be honest, your blog truly helped me. For years I searched and searched and could not feel complete when I had so much – an amazing family, a wonderful boyfriend who loves me, a great career – but I realized outside sources couldn’t bring it to me. You are an amazing spirit! Thank you for all you do.
PS I nominated you for the beautiful blogger award.
Angela, your comment absolutely filled my heart with so much love and gratitude. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I’m so happy that I could help you discover what was already there – your truth.
Thank You! Me too! I really needed this today as well.
Seriously, your blog amazes me more and more everyday. Your words brighten my day, and for that I’m thankful
I’m thankful for YOU, Melanie. Sending gratitude and love to you!
You are so wonderful. Seriously. Your posts are incredibly uplifting and such amazing, genuine reminders. xoxo
You’re amazing and genuine, my dear. I’m so grateful for your comments and readership! I LOVE YOU!
Amen, pasionate, shining Heather!! What a wonderful, wise post! I needed that, thank you!
Thank you, sweet girl.
xoxo You are passionate and shining, yourself!
Ahh love this Heather! Marie Forleo is one of my favorites and I love that she said that! I’m such a huge believer in not only always following and pursuing your passions but also creating passion for everything that we do
AMEN, sister! <3
I love seeing you live out your passions through your blog and do what you are meant to do – you are inspiring passion in others, just look at these comments! – and giving them hope that the passion is not lost, it is inside them, it just has to be released and felt and LIVED!
I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU. <3
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I read this post on my way to work this morning and it really really struck a chord with me! Thank you so very much for sharing, totally boosted my day and made me realize the power in finding passion in everything you do! Excellent Post!
Amen sister! This is what I call a “daymaker comment.”
What a beautiful picture of you, Heather
Thanks for always radiating such conscientiousness, peacefulness, and positivity.
Thank you, Lindsay! <3 You’re a blessing.
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