There is so much written and shared about how we have to live and strive for passion and purpose, and I don’t necessarily agree. I see passion and purpose as ways of informing our lives.
I think we can live adequate, happy lives just hanging out. Doing what we do each day. And I think that’s great, if it works for you. But some people are compelled to explore meaning and purpose. And you may have guessed, I’m one of them.
Last week I was asked to share my thoughts about passion and purpose on a panel at the CBA Women in Focus Conference (if you ever get a chance to go to this amazing conference, seriously take it). The opportunity forced to me articulate what I live and breathe every day, but never really talk about.
I see passion and purpose as separate yet interrelated. It’s like a campfire. My purpose is the wood (sculpturally arranged of course!) and I purposefully light it at times with my passions. The beautifully arranged wood can exist without the flame, but the flame can’t exist without the wood.
My purpose is not grand. It’s not going to save the world or end world hunger. It’s simply to feel the earth beneath my feet, and connect to the universe and spirit every day. To actively live with compassion, empathy and an open heart to experiences and growth.
My passions change. Now I’m exploring art and nature and a bunch of other business things.
What I think is critical to understand is that our passions don’t need to be massive. They can be simple.
We can get caught up in the idea that we have start something big, but then we become immobilised by not knowing where to start. It can be as simple as buying someone a coffee and having a conversation about a topic you’re thinking of exploring.
Passions can also be about changing the world. Absolutely. And if that’s what you want to do, please go do it, because we need as many change makers as we can get. (I see myself as a change maker, but in my own way.)
So what are you passionate about? What’s your purpose? Passions are ultimately about action so I’d love to hear all about yours.
Tweetable: Do we really need to live with passion and purpose? @CatrionaPollard http://bit.ly/2cEh6Pj
