"There are two great days in a person's life. The day we were born and they day we discover why." William Barclay.
What a profound quote. The day we are born is a gift to our family. The day we discover why we are born is a gift to ourselves. What we do with it is our gift to the world.
It is not simply in the discovery of who we are, it is in the willingness to live our passion that the greatest gift will unfold.
What is your passion?
I read the quote by William Barclay druing the first day of a class I am taking through my spiritual center. The class is based on a book by Janet Atwood called, The Passion Test. The 4-week course is designed to reveal one's deepest passion.
The first step in the process of unvealing our passions is done through simply writing a list of what we would be doing if we had our ideal life. It is more than just writing the list that uncovers the deep desires we have. Rather than me trying to explain it, I would suggest you pick up your own copy of Janet's book.
Once our passions are revealed we will be taken through processes that will give us the tools to live our passion.
More will be revealed
Although I consider myself one who does live my passion, I have to admit, I had a couple of things that were revealed that I have conveniently buried away for years. Dreams from childhood that I covered up and didn't realize how much these could add to my life.
I am thrilled to think of what else will be revealed over the next four weeks and beyond. The most amazing thing is that even some of the simple things I put on my list are quickly being realized.
Thoughts can manifest very quickly
What has already become evident is how quickly our thoughts and desires can become manifest. I wrote on the list that being outdoors, spending quality time with friends and family, eating wonderful foods and spending time driving in beautiful areas are all things that bring me great joy.
As has been said, "Be careful what you ask for because you will get it." How true this it.
Last evening a good friend called and said, "Let's all do something different tomorrow. Let's go to the waterfalls and hike then let's have a nice dinner."
The place we are going is about an hours drive away. The drive will take us through some beautiful countryside.
So today, Christine and her sweatie, me and my sweatie, are all headed out for a nice drive to a location with 7 waterfalls to hike. We will be having a picnic and then this evening enjoying a Sushi dinner.
Hmmm. Ask and you shall recieve. Knock and the door shall be open.
The question that begs an answer is, "What are you asking for and what door are you knocking on?"
Be blessed,
Kathleen Gage
I love the quote from Barclay you have here. It speaks volumes.
This is an area I am currently struggling with - really determining my passion, and then living it. In a way, I think I'm afraid of discovering it, for fear of changes that it would likely require in my life. But that's not a reason for me to not discover it. Thanks for the reminder that it is up to us to lead our lives in the directions we desire.
Posted by: Lance | June 23, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Hello Lance,
Often the reason one does not look deep into their passion is the very thing you mentioned - fear. It has been said, fear is false evidence appearing real.
The change is more readily accepted when the space and place we are in is more painful than the change.
When the change is made we can often look back and wonder why we were in such fear.
Trust plays a huge part in letting go of the fear. It is trusting that our life is divinely led and we are here for a divine purpose.
Kathleen Gage
Posted by: Kathleen Gage | June 23, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Kathleen -
Well said, and I think where I'm at is that it is not painful where I am at right now, but I just don't feel like it's my passion. So, for me, that's part of the problem - being able to let go, even though I am "happy" where I'm at right now. I'm happy, but not in love with what I do...
Posted by: Lance | June 25, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Happy is a place many people don't visit often. So, to be happy is a great start. Now to have the willingness to be willing to tap into your passion. The awareness you have is definitely a step in the right direction.
Posted by: Kathleen Gage | June 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM