5 Things That Will Unleash Your Passion.

I’m so glad that you decided to join us today!

Today’s scripture holds a very special place in my heart. As a lifelong artist, passion is what keeps me going, it is what prompts me to create. And it is a passion for the Lord that spurs me on to do my best, each and every day. But when I read the message version of this scripture, I find myself often convicted…not condemned mind you – but a very healthy reminder that I should always desire to do more than the minimum. It says this:

“Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-25The Message (MSG)

On Friday we talked about enthusiastic and unbridled passion. {read that here} Today I promised you 5 things you can do every day that will unleash that passion within. So without further ado:

  1. Play a favorite CD

Music is always inspiring to me. When I don’t know how I am feeling, or when I feel like I have lost my passion, the first thing I turn to is a favorite song or even a whole CD. There is nothing like a familiar melody, or inspiring words, to remind me why I get up in the morning.

As of late, Hillsong United has been my go-to, with their beautiful melodies and passionate words, my heart sings and my passions rise. But what inspires me isn’t necessarily what will do it for you. Choose something that makes you feel again. A melody that gives you a reason to put one foot in front of the other.  I know a girl who doesn’t even leave her bed in the morning without turning on worship music. She says that it sets in place her frame of mind, right from the get-go….and that is what you want!

May I suggest, though - play something soothing, or happy? Angry music, even if you like the song, makes you….well – angry. It will be hard to gather the right sort of passion if you are angry. Just sayin’!!

  1. Get out of your element

Take a day trip, or longer if you are able! If you work from home, get outside. Visit a museum, a park, or go to a movie. I work from home and have a particularly hard time in the winter. The windows are closed as well as the doors, and the air feels stale. I have grown accustomed to sitting behind a computer screen or on the couch reading, and the hibernating bear in me begins to come out. Fresh air will give you a fresh perspective…even if it is someone else’s stale air!

If your own four walls are not the regular daily scenery for you, maybe they should be – for a day. I have a friend who calls in “sick” once or twice a year. She calls it her “attitude improvement day.” She stays in bed, and in her pj’s drinking coffee and watching tv. If that isn’t your thing, pick something that is. Maybe the dining room has been begging for a fresh coat of paint. The point is to gain a renewed view of your surroundings in order to revive what you have lost.

While I don’t suggest that you do a Ferris Bueller, do plan in a day here or there to get  of the regular, and sometimes mundane routine. This practice will go far in improving that attitude and reminding you of the passion you once had.

  1. Reconnect with someone

One trap that I fall into as a homebody is wallowing in my own little world. Even though I do a virtual out-reach every day, it is not a “real life” connection. Humans are meant to be social people – we need each other. Emails, facebook, and twitter are great ways to stay in contact with people who you aren’t able to see face-to-face. But is a poor substitution for face-to-face interaction. Psychology Today portends that we come equipped with an ability to send and receive emotional signals solely by touching. If we take out all of that contact social interaction, what happens to our emotions?

I have seen in in my own family. Increased cell phone and internet use has begun to take the place of one on one conversation as well as diminish the ability to relate emotionally to others, even within the family. Call someone. Make a date for breakfast, or lunch. Plan an activity where you will actually spend time together. Increase those emotional connections that may be missing, and therefore diminishing your passion.

  1. Do something fun

I think everyone should have a hobby. My husband says I should have less. Can I help it if I am inspired just by walking into a craft store? While I can appreciate his concern for the amount of room that my “extracurricular” activities consume, I also find that I am happiest when I am creating something. It doesn’t necessarily even matter what it is. If you truly enjoy reading on the couch for a few hours each night, go for it! If crocheting is your thing – start a new project.

Keeping our minds engaged joyfully creates permanent pathways in our brains. Then when we need renewed passion, our thoughts know where to go automatically. They will search for those familiar joys and the memories they created. It is much easier to return to those feelings if we have spent time creating them in the first place.

  1. Reach Out

Helping someone in need it is by far one of the best activities you can engage in that will help to grow the passions within you. When we reach out to others, our focus is taken off of ourselves and our own concerns and placed somewhere much greater. If we spend all of our time focused on our desires and how to achieve them, something vital is taken out of the human equation: our propensity for compassion, and our ability to truly love others.

There is a reason why Jesus claimed this as the second greatest commandment {the first being to love God :} He knew that if we only lived for ourselves, our hearts would grow cold and a total breakdown of civilization would ultimately occur.  I believe that we are living that. Our society has become so self-serving, and while we may claim that we “feel” for others struggles, the majority of people today do little to nothing about it.

Reaching out to others is one of the most effective things we can do to unleash our passion. It helps to create empathy, as well as give a perspective for our own lives that we may not otherwise see. So - donate some time to a mission. Help a friend who is struggling either physically or emotionally. Sign up for an outreach activity at church. Gather some of your own belongings and donate them to a charity. Not only will the recipients of your love be grateful, but it will be a balm for your soul!

 

 

Passions are as individual as the people who feel them. If God has placed a passion on your heart – pursue it. It will be by far the most important thing you will ever do! Good luck, and I hope that these ideas will bring you to passionate heights!

What do you have a passion for? Please leave a comment.

meLisa is a wife, a mom, a lover of Jesus, and all around creative soul. She has been gifted as a visionary and leader, and seeks to be obedient in that calling from God. Her personal journey is varied and ever changing as she takes obedient steps each and every day, and follows the leading of the Lord.

Read her personal journey through writing here: lisaevola.com

 

 

 

 

Tags: everyday life steps, everyday passion, fading passion, growing your passion, passion, passion for the Lord, practical steps to grow, stepping out in faith, the Christian life

6 responses to “5 Things That Will Unleash Your Passion.

  1. Lisa you amaze me more every day…. Feel often like you and I are living parallel lives (in our learning)….❤

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  2. Totally identified with your comments about being a homebody. How easily those who write can fall into that trap. Thanks for sharing your 5 useful tips!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. But I think sometimes it is exactly that, which makes the job perfect for us. Not everyone could live inside their own little worlds for most of the day. Ha! But yes, we have to watch and make sure that we balance properly. ….and You’re welcome!

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