Connecting With Your Passions
If you know me, you would probably say that I am a pretty passionate person.
The things I am really passionate about are different from my hobbies. For instance, I can paint for hours, talk about Broadway theater endlessly and binge-watch Netflix series non-stop. I love these things – but they are not my passions. Obsessions, maybe – but not passions.
A hobby is generally an activity you enjoy doing in your free time, often for relaxation or fun. It can be something you pursue casually, like gardening, knitting or playing a musical instrument.
Passion, on the other hand, involves a deeper emotional investment and often drives you to pursue an activity with intensity and commitment. It can consume your thoughts and motivate you to dedicate significant time and effort to it. Hobbies are enjoyable activities, while passions are pursuits that resonate deeply and can shape your identity or life choices.
My passion is for a life with meaning, to create enduring memories with friends and family, to travel the world (so my hobby to learn Spanish relates closely to a passion to understand other cultures and travel). My passion is for helping create a world where people have access to equal opportunities, and where there is true social justice.
I am passionate about helping people share their stories, in order to impact change in the world. My work is like a higher calling – a deep, deep passion. This is why I love working with TedX speakers, in particular.
Here is a great example of passion at work. Let me tell you about my friend Sarah.
Every weekend, Sarah stands for hours at a local community center, preparing meals for those in need. Her journey began with a single soup kitchen visit that opened her eyes to hunger in her city. What started as a small effort grew into a mission. She organizes food drives, rallies volunteers, and forges partnerships with local farms. For Sarah, this isn’t just a commitment; it is a calling. Each smiling face at the table reminds her why she fights so hard. Her passion for service transforms lives—not just for others, but for herself, as she finds purpose and connection in every act of kindness.
A pursuit of passion is what gives life meaning and dimension.
Finding your true passion can be a journey of exploration and self-discovery. Here are some steps to help you identify what truly excites you:
Self-Reflection: Take time to introspect about moments in your life when you felt the most fulfilled and alive. Journaling can help you uncover patterns in your thoughts and feelings. Ask yourself what activities or subjects consistently draw your interest and make you excited. Consider your values and how they align with potential passions—what causes resonate with you?
Experimentation: Engage in a variety of activities outside your comfort zone. Attend workshops, volunteer, or join clubs that pique your interest. Approach each experience with curiosity rather than judgment, allowing yourself to discover what truly captivates you. Keep track of how these experiences make you feel; sometimes, it’s in trying something new that you uncover unexpected passions.
Emotional Awareness: Pay attention to your emotional responses. When do you feel energized, motivated, or even a sense of flow? These feelings can be powerful indicators of passion. Notice what you gravitate toward during your free time or what you often daydream about. Reflecting on these emotions can help clarify which pursuits resonate deeply with your identity and aspirations.
Engaging in this process mindfully can lead to a clearer understanding of what you’re truly passionate about.
Ultimately, finding your passion is about exploring and being open to new experiences. Trust your instincts and enjoy the journey!
What is your passion? How do you stay connected to it?