"Live Juicy": Simple Tips for Finding Your Passion

Years ago, I first heard SARK, an inspirational artist, urge people to "live juicy." I'venalways remembered that, and "juicy" has become a watchword for me. Why not? It nseems to me that living a passionate life, full of excitement, commitment and intense ndrive for a cause, a goal or lifestyle is what it is all about.

We'd all like to live with passion. Passion gives us energy and motivation. It drives usnforward with a purpose.

If you have been struggling to find your passion, follow these action steps to identify it.

1. Spend some time identifying where your passion lies. Ask yourself the following questions and jot down the answers that come to you:nn * What is most important to me?
* What matters most to me in the world?
* What causes am I willing to take a stand for?
* What am I willing to fight for?
* What angers me most in the world?
* If I could change ONE thing in the world or in my community, what would it be?
* What is it, that when I talk about it to others, makes my voice reverberate with emotion and passion?
* What issues make me want to jump in and take action?

2. Ask someone close to you to listen as you talk about things about which you believe you are passionate. Have them listen closely to determine if they hear the passion and energy. Does your voice get stronger? Do you speak more rapidly and emphatically? These are signs you are feeling some passion about your topic.

3. Ask yourself "What would I do about this if there were no limitations on what I could achieve?" This may allow you to identify actions you'd like to take to live more passionately.

4. As you think about the causes you believe in deeply, notice if there is a feeling ninside of you--of purpose, of commitment, of determination.

5. When you've identified your passion, share it! Let others know that you've identified your passion and what it is. You may discover others who share your passion. Your passion may ignite someone else's passion when they hear you talk about those things about which you feel so passionately.

When you "live juicy" you are living fully. Finding your passion just involves asking yourself some questions and paying attention to where your energy and excitement—your "juice" really lies. nn(c) Linda S. Pucci, Ph.D., Inner Resource Center, LLC