So, something crazy happened over the last year…not just the pandemic (obviously) but something personal. After wanting to write for nearly my whole life, writing stopped being enjoyable to me. I tried to push through and took a break of six months…then 12 months. But alas, writing felt like work…not purposeful, fulfilling work…just a bland grind. Following your passions should feel different.
Until…
Until I recognized and acknowledged my new passions. I’m learning through life and therapy that acknowledging my emotions or spiritual leanings IS important. To ignore the way I’m feeling is to VALIDATE what’s oppressing me and to allow a negative mindset to keep rearing its ugly head.
So, what are my new passions?
Well, they’re not all new. I’ve been paddle boarding for a year or two but signed up for classes to learn better technique. I became enamored with plants in college, but fell away from cultivating my own. Now, I have a grow lamp in my basement with baby seedlings! I’ve also been boxing a couple times a week (pads and heavy bag only…I’m not into getting hit in the head), which I love.
What Should I Do?
For months, I tried to focus on writing because that’s what I do. I’m a writer. But, it didn’t come easily and wasn’t enjoyable for me. Ever felt that way about an interest you have?
However, I pushed on, getting through because that’s what I do. I get things done.
But, it wasn’t fun.
After talking this over with a friend who encouraged me to do what I felt like doing, I gave up trying to pave my own way and let my heart guide me.
I signed up for a paddle boarding course.
I started the seedlings and found a greenhouse to volunteer at.
My basement now houses a heavy bag that I use for workouts.
And you know what?
I felt like writing a bit again. I’m slowing my writing pace down because I spend time on these other activities, but following my heart opened the way for me to continue writing.
Following Your Passions
Why is this important?
Too often we swim in the lane of who we “should be” (or who we “believe we should be”) instead of who we are. Your soul knows where it’s supposed to be and what it’s supposed to be doing. When you don’t acknowledge your current place, you stifle your inner self. Plain and simple.
So here are a few secrets to this process:
- Take a moment to think about what would really make you happy in this season of your life. When thinking about things you’d like to do, what brings a smile to your face?
- What activities do you find draining which may have been life giving in the past? Can you step away from these responsibilities for a season?
- What is your purpose in life? Where do you feel you can have the most impact right now?
Is it easy to answer these questions? No, but taking the time will really help you figure out which direction to head next because it can be difficult to know what to do next.
Love!
K.
Author of Ten Iron Principles, Contributor in The Power to Make a Difference
❤❤❤