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(word 12)
It’s Easter today, and the word for this week is PASSION. Another happy “accident”.
Dictionary.com says passion is a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for something. I’ll add it’s a heart force that one commits to. Could be your family, a career, an artful expression, a sport, or all of the above.
So, we pick up in the middle of the story . . . you’re on a passion path, truckin’ along. Guess what happens next? (Hint: it’s the same in every story.) Something steps in the way to try and stop you. It may happen today, tomorrow or next week. That part is unpredictable. But the attempt is inevitable. Your thoughts may scream “it’s impossible.” The next move may require lots of hard earned money. The family may be asking for more of your time. You have reached a roadblock.
Now what do you do? How will you continue? or will you?? The key in such an encounter is to know your why!
There are reasons, and it’s more than money. You’re providing something that means something to you and to others. Write them down, loud and clear. Keep them close. They could be needed at any time. These are your whys, and they will give you the strength to move the roadblock to the side.
A friend is teaching in a tough middle school. What pulls her through the hard days is knowing her kids get to grow up in a great town. Another friend is afraid to step up into a bigger dream, because she doubts. She remembers her why: the vision of others using and enjoying her ceramics. And I know a guy who was asked to sacrifice His very life for the sake of others. I’m sure He had a clear why when He agreed to such a request.
Why are you passionate about your passion? Who are you helping? How does it feel? And the opposite, what would it mean if you didn‘t do it? These are the whys that move mountains.
The good news is the more you exercise, the stronger you get. The roadblocks seem lighter and take less energy. And the faster you resume the trip. Lean on your whys, then “hit the road”. There are lives to be brightened! Including your own.
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If you don’t know Etsy, let me introduce you. She’s a huge virtual mall with many individual shops. Everything shown in an artist’s shop is handmade. This is how I got started.
This week, I put together my first Treasury pages. A Treasury shows 12 things picked by a “curator”. You or I could be a curator. That’s the fun of it. What looks good together? What things do you like? Have a look at some : Treasury and Treasury West. You don’t need a shop to create one. You just have to wait until there’s a spot. It’s tricky but oh so fun! Here’s the link for more instruction.
This week I have been placed on her home page quite a bit. What an honor! THANKS, Etsy, for the applause ;-D
Susan, if I can add light to the path, I’m grateful. Thank you for encouraging my writing. Follow that deeper place. Doors will open as you state what you want and ask for help. We all need help. Keep in your brain positive thoughts and the feelings you’d have if you were already there . . . the confidence and excitement that would be if you were actually living on your art right now. It’s a journey, but one I am confident you will find profitable in all areas! Just standing at the crossroads is a huge step. Congrats to you, Lori ps. Don’t stop with just the want. The internet is a great resource for HOW to step out and make it happen. Doors open but we have to step thru. xo
Dear Lori,
Just want you to know how much I enjoy getting your “upwords” every week. Even though I may not respond, I am reading them and reflecting on it through the week. On top of being a great artist, you are also very talented in writing your inspirational messages. Todays word hits home for me, because I am approaching a transition in my life. Like your other friend, I have doubts and fears about making the wrong decision to do what I love, my passion. And that is creating art. But it seems along the way I keep getting hints, messages and validation that I should trust the journey and surrender all my worries to God. I think your message today “passion” is another confirmation to move forward. Thank you!