“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” -Oprah Winfrey
I am passionate about the obvious things…my family, and friends. I am very passionate about my marriage, and my kids. I am passionate about my faith and spiritual life.
I am also passionate about music. All kinds of music. Poetry, writing and reading. Art. Anything creative, really.
I am passionate about summer camp with teenagers (near and dear to my heart), home cooked meals shared with people I love, winning board games and all things DISNEYLAND. Passion about things in life is what keeps things exciting!
Sometimes we get so caught up in the drudgery of everything that we lose touch, and it takes effort to focus back onto the things that matter and be grateful.
Passion is when you put more energy toward something than is required, because you care deeply about the content or outcome.
It is more than just enthusiasm or excitement, passion is ambition that is materialized into action. It’s when you put as much heart, mind, body and soul into something as you can, and then push for a little bit more (cue inspirational soundtrack).
On this journey I’ve been on, I’ve uncovered some new passions. Not just the obvious ones that you’re expecting though.
Yes, I have new found passion and appreciation for the gym and working out. I never thought I’d ever be that guy, who’d say that but it’s true. I love seeing how much endurance and strength I’ve gained and look forward to more fitness accomplishments.
I’ve also learned to appreciate eating in a new way. After a lifetime of using food as a tranquilizer and hating myself for it, over and over again…I have been learning to make peace with food for what it is.
Food.
Food is necessary for living.
Not necessary for coping with emotions and stress.
When enjoyed in healthy way, it provides optimal fuel for shaming everyone around you at the gym with all of your awesome skills. I’m still working on this one, but more and more I am learning to LOVE myself with food instead of abusing myself with it. I am passionate about THAT.
Treating myself to eating well makes me feel good! No shameful guilt afterwards! I mean, sometimes an Oreo (or 6) might get the best of me, but I’m making progress.
What has been the most exciting part of my journey has been all of the new and amazing relationships I’ve made. I am absolutely passionate about people. I am in love with the humans God has brought into my life. My prayer is that I could bless you all as much as you’ve blessed me!
I couldn’t even attempt to write down the names of all the people that have helped me and and spurred me on to get to this place where I am now.
Family members who have always believed I could do anything.
Old friends who have loved me, even while I was still deep in a depression. Cheering me on before I was doing anything cheer worthy.
And now, new friends who are on
this journey to health with me. Going to this place 6 days a week was bound to get REAL boring or bring some new relationships into my life! I’m glad it didn’t get boring. There is a camaraderie and a mutual respect between those of us that are fighting to get fit.
A shared passion.
I am so grateful that I’ve chosen to make this change in my life. Not every day is easy but it has been so worth it.
If you are feeling like you want to make a change, and live a life that you’re passionate about…start with being grateful. Gratitude changes everything and anything into something to be passionate about.
Even burpees.
