by Anna Marie Trotman
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt Joshua Rosenthal, founder and director of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, states; “Health is not only about diet and exercise. You can eat a perfect diet and work out daily, but if you have a stressful job or are in a relationship that doesn’t serve you, you won’t reach your potential for health and wellness.”
I can attest to what Joshua Rosenthal is saying from personal experience and the challenge of reaching my health and wellness goals. It can sometimes be an uphill battle to live a balanced life; a healthy lifestyle; and be at peace with my body, mind, and spirit. What I’ve learned throughout the years is that those times when I’m in touch with what I’m passionate about, I’m in harmony with my total being. I have a creative side that I wouldn’t acknowledge when I was younger, but now my passions fuel me. When I don’t pay attention, I feel off. When I was teaching, I was passionate about being a positive influence on my students and coming up with tools and strategies that helped enhance their lives. When I cook, I am passionate about not only what goes on the plate, but how it’s presented. Gardening, nature, and photography feed my soul as well as family and friends.
Light Your Inner Pilot Light
I find that some people are clear about their vision, mission and purpose and most haven’t got a clue. Wouldn’t it make sense to get really clear about what you love to do and what you want to be? What is your dream? If you could take one baby step to transform your life this week what would it be? You probably know deep down what you’re passionate about but haven’t allowed yourself to be engaged.
If you’re willing, here is a baby step you can take. Sit quietly for a few minutes focusing on your breath, now light your inner pilot light, then reflect on that thing you’ve always wanted to do. Your purpose and passion are your own; it’s called bio-individuality, meaning no one can do exactly what you do in the way that you do it. No one can impose themselves into your definition of happiness and success and no one can take away your passion. You can bury it under lots of excuses but it’s yours, therefore own it!
What are Your Deepest Desires?
Baby step #2, get your journal out or grab a piece of paper and let’s begin with a few simple (maybe not simple) questions to ask yourself over the next few days.
- Am I passionate about what I’m doing in my career?
- Do I engage in hobbies such as gardening, some kind of sport, cooking, or music that bring me joy?
- Am I passionate about my spiritual practices?
- Am I excited to get up in the morning whether I jump out of bed or ease into the day?
- Do I end my day with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude?
- Am I clear about what brings me joy each day?
As you answer the above questions begin to think about the inner goal which is to be happy. The things you think you want may not bring you happiness because they don’t connect back to what you are passionate about.
Sow a Garden of Love
Sow a garden of love, love for who you are and the gifts and talents you bring to the world. Passion isn’t something that can be attained, it isn’t something somebody else has and you don’t. It’s within you. Passion is essential and it keeps you alive. It is the energy of life flowing through you and it is necessary for you to reach your full potential.
Open up to those things that you are passionate about and begin to believe in the beauty of your dreams.