Life On Passion: Discovering and Claiming Your Passion

Pam's Personal Message to You...

I remember as a young girl being asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" At the ripe old age of five I was certain that I was going to be a teacher. I just knew it was my passion and purpose because I had so much fun teaching my dolls and teddy bears their "ABCs".

Skipping ahead about 10 years, in high school I was certain that I was going to be a medical doctor, an anesthesiologist to be exact. Why? Well, there were doctors in my family so it seemed logical. There was just one problem; I hated needles and the sight of blood made me faint. (How was that going to work?) Regardless, I entered my freshman year of college as a pre-med student and found out quickly that medicine was certainly not my passion.

So what next?

I changed my major to radio and television. After taking several courses I realized that radio and TV was not going to be my cup of tea either. Off I went to interior decorating. Nope, that was not it either. 

I found myself as a sophomore with no declared major, no direction, no passion, and no real sense of purpose. Frankly, I felt like a deflated balloon. It was then that someone suggested I get a general degree so I could declare a major just to graduate. I couldn't do it.

I wanted something more defined, something that really motivated and excited me, something that said to the world, "Pam is ". Very long story short, I finally settled into the creative writing program at my university.

I had no clue what I was going to do with a creative writing degree, but I had faith that a) everyone needs to employ someone who can string sentences together and b) that I would figure it out once I graduated.

Fast forward once again to my 20s and early 30s. I had a few careers; financial service representative, co-founder and executive director of a non-profit organization, editor, and online community developer. I loved all my career choices (with the exception of financial service representative), but while I loved them none of them sparked the passion I was in search of.

(You see I was still stuck in the mindset that my passion and purpose was tied to what I did professionally.)

Again fast forward -- I am in my mid-30s standing in the restroom of a Mexican restaurant having a conversation with a friend, when I burst into tears. I was certain something was wrong with me because I had no clue as to what ignited my fire. I had no clear direction in a world where (by now) I was supposed to. It was expected.

My friend placed her hand on my shoulder and said, "Pam, it's OK. It was not until I was 38, that is when I found my passion and purpose." Whew! I wasn't a loser after all. Thirty-eight must have been the magic age, because at 38 I found something that got my heart racing. I found the thing I was looking for! I found my passion and my purpose!

My passion and purpose was giving value to others by supporting them in finding and reaching their fullest potential; to change this world one person at a time. It just so happens that I could also incorporate my passion and purpose into my professional life and that is when I discovered coaching.

Oh, and I discovered something else. It was all the experiences I had and the lack of direction that enabled me to try new things, to explore, and to find my truest passion and purpose. And you know what? I wouldn't change one thing about my path. Especially now that I realize that it's led me to this really great destination; where I sit today.

While my story has been about finding my passion in my career choices, I want you to know something; living a passion and purpose-filled live is not just about your career. It is about you. It is about filling your life with the people, things, jobs, activities, and places that support your passion and purpose.

So as we embark on this passion-seeking journey together I have three thoughts I wish to share with you:

1)     Your passion and purpose is defined by YOU and only you. It is NOT defined by society, friends, and family (even though they may have the best intentions).

2)     Every experience happens for a reason and is to be learned from.

3)     Being present and open to the potentials will bring you one step closer to living your most passionate and purpose-filled life.

Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you. May your own be just as exciting and fulfilling.

ISBN:978-0-9797131-3-2
Pages: 20

Price: $7.99  
OR
Purchase the entire series for $23.97 (Four e-workbooks for the price of three)