Introduction: The Power of Choosing a Passion-Forward Life

Imagine waking up every day feeling excited and fulfilled, knowing that you are living a passion-forward life. It's not just a dream - it's a reality that is within your reach. Pursuing your dreams and embracing your true calling can bring a sense of purpose and joy that is unmatched.

Take a moment, to image what your early morning routine would look like.  Mine is tiptoeing out of my bedroom, downing a big glass of water and going on an early morning hike or 30 minutes of yoga while listening to my affirmation music, followed by an infrared sauna with a cold plunge, followed by a creamy dirty chai latte with coconut milk.  It’s specific I know, but it is what the morning of my dreams look like - and it sets the tone for how I’m able to find pleasure throughout the day.

Living a passion-forward life means finding fulfillment in what you do, whether it's your career, hobbies, or personal relationships. It's about aligning your actions with your values and desires and making choices that bring you closer to your goals.

And one of the only ways to discover your passions is through soul-searching and self-reflection. What are you willing to get out of bed for at 4 or 5am? What makes you come alive? What activities or causes ignite a fire within you? When you feel yourself getting heated and enjoying the conversation, what are you talking about?  Once you discover what truly lights you up, this is the time to feel your fears and then pursue it wholeheartedly.

Embracing your true calling may involve taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone. It may require perseverance in the face of challenges or setbacks.  It won’t be easy - and it shouldn’t be, if it was easy everyone would be doing it.  But the rewards are worth it - the satisfaction of knowing that you are living authentically and making a positive impact on your life and the world around you.

Reflecting on Your Current Situation: Identifying the Need for Change

What does this self-reflection entail?  It’s about asking yourself the hard questions and answering honestly and truthfully - to yourself at the very least.  And being prepared to feel what those answers mean for you.  Are you feeling stuck in your current situation? Maybe it's time to leave behind the old life and make some changes.

Take a moment to assess your personal satisfaction. Are you truly happy with where you are right now? Scale it.  On a scale from 0-10, where are you at?  If you’re leaning more towards 0 than 10, this is your time to shine and find out where growth can occur! It's completely normal to recognize the need for change.

Remember, change can be scary but also incredibly rewarding. Embrace the opportunity to grow and evolve. You have the power to shape your own future and create a life that brings you joy and fulfillment.

Ask yourself: what feelings come up when you explore areas of your life that might need a little shake-up. That’s the first indicator of where change can happen!

Discovering Your Passions: Uncovering What Truly Excites You

Get your notepad out.  Yes, that’s right, put down the phone, go to a book store and find yourself a real pen and paper.  You are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery and uncover what truly excites you. Finding and pursuing your passions can bring so much fulfillment and joy to your life. It's all about exploring your interests, hobbies, and values to identify that one thing that sets your soul on fire.

Sometimes, we may not even be aware of what our true passions are. That's why it's important to take the time to reflect on what brings us the most happiness and fulfillment. Is it painting, writing, cooking, or maybe even skydiving? 

By identifying your core values and interests, you can start narrowing down the areas that resonate with you the most. I knew mine was going to be about talking and writing, because I like to talk and I love to write.  Funny because I spent years talking and writing without actually homing in on what makes me the happiest.  What I can be alone for hours doing and feel super content inside.  It's all about experimenting, trying new things, and being open to different experiences. If you were going to be alone for a whole week, a whole month, what are the things you would do and try?

Navigating Fear and Resistance: Overcoming Obstacles to Embrace Change

Change can be scary. We've all experienced that fear of the unknown, the uncertainty, and doubt that comes with stepping outside of our comfort zones. But here's the thing: growth and progress often require us to embrace discomfort.

Overcoming resistance to change is not an easy task, but it's certainly possible. It starts with acknowledging and understanding our fears. What is it about change that makes us uncomfortable? Is it the fear of failure? The fear of the unfamiliar?  The fear of humiliation, rejection, neglect or abandonment?  The fear of success?  The fear of abundance?  The fear of being happy, as if we don’t deserve to be happy?  Is it the fear of leaving behind old friends or old coping mechanisms (hmmmm, Wednesday wines and Friday late nights may no longer be on the table…)

Once we identify our fears, we can work on reframing them. Instead of seeing change as a threat, we can view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Embracing discomfort becomes a necessary step towards achieving our goals.

Navigating fear and resistance requires patience and self-compassion. It's important to remind ourselves that change is a process, and setbacks are part of the journey. I do not know one person who has been through tremendous growth and transformation that did not feel a deep sense of loneliness and a loss of identity as it shifts into something new, and they were cultivating new surroundings and patterns.  Connecting with supportive people who believe in what you are trying to accomplish can also make a world of difference. Because on the other side of fear lies personal growth and new possibilities waiting to be discovered.

Here are 8 ways core wounds can get in the way of living a passion forward-life:

1. Self-doubt and low self-esteem: Core wounds can erode a person's self-confidence and self-worth, making it difficult for them to pursue their passions. They may doubt their abilities and feel unworthy of success or happiness.

2. Fear of rejection and failure: People with core wounds may have a deep fear of rejection and failure, which can prevent them from taking risks or putting themselves out there in pursuit of their passions. They may avoid opportunities or settle for less than what they truly desire.

3. Perfectionism: Core wounds can lead to perfectionistic tendencies, where individuals believe they must be flawless to be loved or accepted. This mindset can be paralyzing, as they may never feel ready to pursue their passions until everything is "perfect."

4. Avoidance of vulnerability: Core wounds can make it challenging to open up to others or seek support, as vulnerability can be frightening. This can hinder personal growth and the ability to build connections with like-minded individuals who can help nurture their passions.

5. Negative self-talk: People with core wounds often engage in negative self-talk and self-criticism, which can sabotage their pursuit of their passions. They may constantly undermine their abilities and potential for success.

6. Emotional reactivity: Core wounds can make individuals more emotionally reactive, causing them to become easily overwhelmed or discouraged by setbacks or criticism. This can lead to impulsiveness or a tendency to give up on their passions when faced with challenges.

7. Repetition of self-sabotaging patterns: Core wounds can lead to the repetition of self-sabotaging behaviors or choices in relationships and life pursuits. For example, someone with an abandonment wound might unconsciously push people away when they get too close, hindering their ability to form supportive connections.

8. Limited belief systems: Core wounds often result in limited beliefs about what is possible in life. These beliefs can restrict a person's ability to dream big, set ambitious goals, and take steps toward living a passion-driven life.

During your times of reflection, it will be important to visualize and feel how these core wounds are impacting you.

Crafting a Vision for Your Passion-Forward Life: Setting Goals and Making a Plan

Imagine taking a deep breath, embracing uncertainty, and stepping boldly into the unknown.

Are you ready to turn your passions into a reality? What would your life look like you stripped away all of the external expectations and the internal blocks and limiting beliefs. In this section, we're going to dive into the exciting world of crafting a vision for your passion-forward life. From creating a vision board to setting goals and making a solid action plan, this is what you can do to start your growth.

First things first, let's talk about the power of creating a vision board. It's like visualizing your dreams and aspirations in one place. By gathering images, quotes, and symbols that represent your passions, you'll be able to see your goals come to life right before your eyes.

Once you've got that inspiring vision board in front of you, it's time to set some goals. We'll explore how to set meaningful and achievable goals that align with your passion-driven life. Whether it's starting a business, learning a new skill, or traveling the world - this is your start to break it down into actionable steps.

But setting goals is just the beginning! Now is the time to actually take a look at each of your goals and at your vision board and think about what is stopping you, what is holding you back.  The answer to the change lies within you - what you need to be and do in order to live from the intent of passion.

Taking Action and Making the Leap: Practical Steps to Leave Behind Your Old Life

So, you're ready to take the leap and leave behind your old life to pursue your passion-driven dreams? That's awesome! Making such a big change can be both exciting and daunting, but don't worry, I've got some practical steps to help you navigate this transition.

First things first, it's important to say goodbye to old routines that no longer serve you. Embrace the idea of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences. This might mean letting go of certain habits or activities that are holding you back from pursuing your true passions.

Next, seek support from your loved ones. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and understand your desire for change. Share your dreams with them and let them be a source of encouragement and motivation along the way.  If they are not on board with what you are doing, this may be where a lot of blocks and fears come up - often we spend a lot of time in this zone because we are too afraid of the opinions of those around us to know, deeply know, that we are on the right path.  

Now let's talk about managing the practical aspects. Finances can be a major concern when making a big life change, so it's crucial to have a plan in place. Take stock of your financial situation and create a budget that allows for the transition period as well as any potential setbacks.  Again, so many people stop at this point because we allow finances and fear to dictate our behaviors and decisions.  What would it look like if that were not the case?  What would you be willing to do?

Additionally, consider exploring alternative income streams or part-time work that aligns with your new path while providing some stability during the transition.  We may have to give up comforts in order to make that change.  

Remember, taking action towards living a passion-driven life is all about taking small steps every day. Celebrate each milestone along the way and stay focused on what truly matters to you.