Hello, dear one!
On a scale of one to ten, how passionate are you with your life today? Do you have a burning desire for a future vision that’s held in your heart?
Passion is a life force.
With its focused energy, passion can be pragmatically measured with your persistent actions.
On March 14, 2022, the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, Oregon celebrated its 35th anniversary. On its Facebook page, here was the hotel’s tribute to its visionary owners:
“Congratulations to Goody Cable and Sally Ford. In spite of so many obstacles that stood in the way of women opening businesses 35 years ago, they PERSISTED! Thank you for creating such a magical space.”
I heard their story many years ago at a workshop.
This hotel was originally built between 1910 to 1913, and it was named the New Cliff House. Later it was renamed the Hotel Gilmore.
In the 80s, both Goody Cable and Sally Ford had the burning desire to purchase this hotel and transform it into a book lover’s dream place. They also saw a vision of making it a tribute to Sylvia Beach, the owners of Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore in Paris during the 20s and 30s.
The challenge? Funds!
They had applied for mortgage loans and were turned down 30 times.
But after submitting their 31st loan application, they received a breakthrough. The Universe conspired with a montage company to assist them with an approved loan.
Today, this beach hotel has become the spot for honeymoon and book lovers.
The hearts of the owners were burned with the vision, and the 30 loan rejections meant nothing to them. Their passion for the future was far stronger than their disappointing present.
So how passionate are you to pursue your vision?
Have you wondered why you haven’t lost the last 10 pounds, finished the long-waited project, transitioned to a new career, or booked your dream vacation?
Perhaps you’re still pondering on the “Someday Island”?
By the way, there is nothing wrong with where you are! Where you are can be the pivotal point of discovering your passion, the true force behind all your actions or lack of.
The gate to a passion is often narrow, as what Jesus taught.
Most people choose to blindly follow each other through a wide gate and a broad road because they appear to be safer and more logical.
However, Jesus preached the opposite!
Jesus encouraged thought leaders to enter the small gate and walk on the narrow road. They may look uncertain and lonely, but they will lead to “life,” and only a few will find it (Matthew7: 13-14).
The word “life” is passion, the spiritual juice flowing through your physical body.
People with passion are living, not existing!
It’s common to hear “I wish. I hope.” There is no passion behind these expressions.
When you hear “I will and I AM,” that’s passion! This life force will keep the fire burning in the heart even when everything is stifled.
Well, how do you know if you’re passionate about something or someone?
Pastor Norman Vincent Peele, the author of The Power of Positive Thinking, told a story about lack of passion.
While traveling on an airplane, Pastor Peele was seated next to a young woman who asked him, “I have two gentlemen proposing marriage to me. Which one should I accept?”
Without asking for details, Pastor Peele replied, “Neither.”
He later explained, “If you have to ask a stranger or anyone about this, you have no passion for either man. If you love someone, you’ll know.”
Passion needs no explanation!
If you’re dying to do something, like going on a dream vacation, you will book it ahead, save enough money, allocate travel time, map out the details, and stick to its very end.
My coach taught me that whenever I wonder if I’m passionate about something, just stop and ask myself, “Am I having FUN?”
Healthy passion is always inspired by a sense of expansion and fun.
When I’m having fun writing, the words flow to me effortlessly. In my ecstasy, I’m in alignment with what Rumi said: I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears me and what they will think.
Same with people.
Whenever someone asks me a coaching question on a relationship, I always suggest feeling it. If it’s not ideal, there will be an insidious and persistent feeling of constriction.
Lastly, if you’re passionate about what you want, you will not need to ask for anyone’s permission or feedback.
Whether you want to lose the last few pounds of weight, finish the long-procrastinated project, transition to a new job, or manifest an ideal mate or a dream vacation, you CAN do it.
These questions might be helpful: How passionate am I about my vision? Am I having fun thinking about it? What am I constantly saying about it, “I should” or “I will”?
With one life here, you deserve to live passionately!