OH FOR A BURNING PASSION TO PURSUE!

What do you do when you don't have a driving Passion? How do you go about finding something to inspire you to pursue a new direction? #passion #inspiration

WHAT IS MY PASSION?

After many, many years of being certain that those with a Passion were not my people, I've suddenly come to the realization that they might have been onto something that I've missed seeing. I'm finally admitting that I have a small amount of envy in my heart towards those clever people who have something they love doing and feel the need to pour all their energy into.

For some reason, I'm not that person. I'm not sure if that makes me "less" or just different, but I have nothing, not one single solitary thing that is calling to me asking me to pursue it with passion. I look at the passions of others and not a single one of them resonates with me. I'm sadly aware of my lack of inspiration at the moment - when I have all the time in the world to devote to something but can't find that magic "something" waiting for me. What do I do?

THE ANTI-CRAFT

I've written previously about being totally hopeless when it comes to arts and crafts. There were so many women in my church back in the 1980's who were lovingly making padded tissue box covers, stamped birthday cards, photograph memory books, and so much more. None of it appealed to me in the slightest. I tried my hand at a few of those pursuits - I even have the practice page somewhere of cut up photos with pretty stickers and writing on it. It never progressed past that first page because it felt pointless to pull a perfectly good photo album apart to cut up the photos and stick them somewhere else.

Am I the only person in the world who isn't a fan of handicraft?

After a series of trial and error craft projects, I put my hands in the air, and declared defeat - labelling myself the Anti-Craft and refusing to participate in the Craft Group at  church - or any other like minded groups that have since come along. I never took up paper curling/quilling, I let card making pass me by, and I've only managed to knit two jumpers in my lifetime - back when I was 20 and wanting to show my potential homemaking skills to my boyfriend - it must have worked because we've been married for 37 years! I'm not sure he'd place my knitting skills as one of my top attractions though.

BLOGGING AND NOVEL WRITING

Every blogger I know has either written a novel, (or a self-help book), or is in the process of writing a book, or has one burning in the back of their brain just waiting until they have the time to put fingers to keyboard and hammer out that epic story they've always wanted to write. Not me....no siree.....I have nothing.nada.zilch in my head waiting to be shared. I read books prolifically, and I'm fascinated with the authors' ability to create stories and worlds that are believable (I cry over characters deaths and dilemmas regularly), but they haven't triggered a latent plot line in my head as yet.

Oh for the ability to write the Great Australian Novel!

I can write a blog post (or 800+ blog posts if I want to be specific) and it just flows out of me as I put what's in my head onto the virtual page. I comment on other blogs, reply to comments on mine, run my Facebook page and share all sorts of thoughts, but there's no muse burning inside me waiting to write thousands of words on one specific theme. When I search for inspiration there is a void - no creative flow waiting for me to dive in - not a thing.

SO HOW DO I FIND A PASSION TO PURSUE?

Is there a requirement for each of us to have a Passion? Why is it that some people have one burning Passion that ignites their purpose for living, and others (like me) haven't got the faintest idea of where to start when it comes to finding something that drives us? Is it only the creatives of the world who get to have Passions? Those who draw, or paint, or write, or dance, or sing, or sew/knit/quilt all seem to be happy to immerse themselves in what they do and there's an end product to show for their time.

I read an interesting article the other day about a lady who took up painting when she was 85 and she describes it as something she had always wanted to do, but had been discouraged by her family and husband from taking it up in her younger days. I don't have anyone discouraging me, so I can't lay the blame there, I guess it just comes back to figuring out what it is that "sparks joy" in my life and getting down to doing something about it. There's lots of little things, but nothing that has risen to the surface as my one Big Burning Passion.

What I'm bound and determined NOT to do is to go back to what I had before, because nothing better is luring me down the path in a different direction. To go back to working in a 9-5 job because there's nothing "better" would be such a waste. My gut recoils just thinking about it!

Don't run back to old ways just because they're more comfortable or easier to access. Remember you left certain habits and people for a reason, to better your life. You can’t move forward with your life if you keep going back. #quotes

THE 'MAYBE' QUESTIONS

Maybe looking for that one all consuming Passion isn't going to be right for me? Maybe if I haven't found it by now, it's not there? Maybe I need to be happy with lots of small things in my life rather than one BIG thing? Maybe I need to delve deeper and see what's calling me that I've been pushing into the background for all those previous decades? I'd love to be surprised by a later in life Passion that leapt into being when I least suspect it. Stay tuned as I see what lies ahead.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Any helpful tips on how to discover a Passion if it hasn't presented itself by now? What Passion has Midlife brought to the surface for you? Maybe I can get some inspiration from others sharing what inspires them.
I'd love to be surprised by a later in life Passion - LLC - #lifequotes


RELATED POSTS


What do you do when you don't have a driving Passion? How do you go about finding something to inspire you to pursue a new direction? #passion #inspiration

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What do you do when you don't have a driving Passion? How do you go about finding something to inspire you to pursue a new direction? #passion #inspiration



58 comments

  1. I think passion is overrated frankly. It is okay to enjoy and be open to new things that you see whether you enjoy or not. If you are expecting passion than you will let a lot of things flow by because you are waiting for “the one” (kind of like boyfriends when we were in our teens and 20s). Don’t let shoulda and musts mess up your pursuits in the hopes of finding something you would be distraught if you couldn’t do. Just be open and try a bunch of things more than 1 time. I really enjoy hiking, eating and wine but not to the exclusion of all else and I think that is all fine. Don’t be so hard on yourself.

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    1. Luisa you are singing the song of my heart. I've always felt that passions are a bit over-rated, but then I started second guessing myself. I think I've been worried about trying to find something deep and meaningful to fill my life - when I'm probably far more suited to enjoying lots of small things. Thanks so much for confirming what my
      'gut' has been trying to tell me through all this xx

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  2. Hi Leanne I agree with Luisa that perhaps there is too much pressure to follow our 'passion' even if we don't have one. In saying that my passion has always been to help people and I've taken the decision to finally do a Certificate III in Fitness. It is for myself because I want to learn about keeping healthy but also I'm hoping I can then teach others. Who knows I might rekindle my love of dance and start ballet classes again for even teach Zumba! If you are contented then that is all that really matters. Enjoy the moment and if you do find something that sparks joy and you want to follow it then go for it. If you don't then just enjoy who you are. xx

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    1. Sue you always say just the right things xx I keep trying to convince myself that there's something "big" that I must be missing. That whole concept of being content with a quiet life is something that I feel the need to justify - or figure out what I need to do to take it up a notch. I think underneath all this I'm still trying to justify being happy in my home doing not-very-much. Maybe I just need to stop worrying about what my old self would be thinking and start enjoying what my new self is discovering?

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    2. Your last sentence says it all BBB, 'enjoy what your new self is discovering'. Once you let go you are going to feel so much more contentend and then who knows what will develop from there when you have clarity of mind. Have a great week and can't believe we are at #71 for #MLSTL. I've shared on SM. xx

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  3. There's nothing wrong with being content where you are. In fact, contentment is very good. I'm past midlife, and I find my pleasure in the little things now - a bit of gardening, reading a good book, a conversation with a friend, creating a blog post, taking a nature walk, taking pictures, an art exhibit, whatever comes my way. I've always been interested in many things rather than being focused on just one interest I'm passionate about. I'm not about to let society or other bloggers mold my mind or my goals. That's God's business.

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    1. Barb you are so right - I am definitely letting society's opinions influence my thinking. I keep feeling guilty that I'm not doing something radical or exciting. That I haven't swapped working for a fantastic pastime that's just been waiting for me to free up my time to pursue. I think there might be a lot of us out there who are going to be doing just fine with lots of little pursuits that fill our days and keep us happily filling our time. Those loud voices out there really shouldn't be affecting me at this age and stage!

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  4. I have to say I laughed out loud at you being the Anti-Craft :) . I agree with the others who have commented that passion can be overrated. I like the fact that you're feeling contented and happy in what you're doing at the moment. I have often been asked if I'm going to write a book but I'm not, I just like writing and blogging, simple as that. I enjoy a lot of things and get excited about little things and then sometimes move on to something new. It's good being in this head space, that I can float from thing to thing without getting too bogged down. I do understand what you're getting at and I think it was what I was talking about in a recent post about losing my mojo, was I missing out on something, should I be doing more, thinking more, challenging myself more.....but instead I've decided to just embrace the things I enjoy doing at the moment. Hopefully that makes sense, and we all tend to overthink things at times!! Really interesting and though provoking post :)

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    1. Hi Deb - I think you're right about the mojo thing and all the pressure we put on ourselves to prove that we're being productive - maybe even more productive than we were when we were "just working". I am so mean to myself at times - it's like I can't let myself just chill out and enjoy this pleasant time - like I don't deserve the privilege of being happy at home. I really need to do some more work on my self-esteem and my value system (rather than looking for a mega-hobby!) x

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    2. I understand completely Leanne! It's a struggle I am still going through at times, just allowing myself to accept that I'm happy in this new state and it's OK. I'm better when out travelling around but at home it hits me sometimes that shouldn't I be doing something more. In my humble opinion you are a passionate blogger, a caring friend who has so much to offer and an encouraging listener and observer. Just my thoughts :) . #mlstl

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    3. Thanks Deb - it's so reassuring to know that I'm not the only one who has gone through the "I should be doing something more" thing - why are we so tough on ourselves? No-one else is asking me the question - just my inner self - maybe she needs a kick in the pants?!

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  5. Daughter and I talk regularly about finding/having a passion. There are lots of things we would like to do but we have no true passion for them. I laughed when I read your comment on taking photos out of one book to cut and store them in another. Those were my thoughts exactly. Seemed like a big waste of time. I have done many things in my life crochet, sewed, macrame,blogging but I can't really say I had a passion for any thing. I also always think I have a book to write but every time I start writing I lose my train of thought and shop for shoes.

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    1. Oh Victoria that last sentence made me snicker! I love the picture of you throwing your hands in the air and going shoe shopping :D I think part of my problem is that I feel people are waiting for me to do something "constructive" with my time. They're probably not, but that's how I feel. Like if I discovered that I was the world's best macrame-r or stamp collector or something, then it'd be okay to not be doing anything else. I really need to cut myself some slack (and go shoe shopping!) xx

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  6. Leanne, even though I did "write a book" and even called it a "passion project", writing is NOT my big passion area. I doubt there is another book in me... although never say never. My book was simply a lot of blog posts put together in a cohesive way. The organizer within me made that happen. My friend called it a passion project to allow me freedom to spend the money to self-publish. (It did help with the guilt of spending the money!) But now, folks are expecting me to follow it up with speaking engagements, life coaching, and the start of another career. Yeah, everyone thinks it's my big consuming passion area. I just wanted to be able to say I did something in retirement.

    I still absolutely struggle with what is my passion! What is my BIG thing? Right now, I'm playing with the 101 New Things as my "big thing" - lots of seeking and exploration and dabbling.... and not being very good at anything. I see all the things others do with consuming passion - exercise programs to run the next 5K, regular volunteer work, craft work, spending time with their grandkids, even regular blogging schedules! - and I do little things with no skill. Even my book was a little thing. Not a consuming passion, not a best seller, not even enough sold to make a profit. Just another little thing.

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    1. Oh Pat, that makes me feel so much better! I look at how purposeful you are on your blog and all the plans and projects you have going on and I feel quite aimless in comparison. It helps to know that you're working your way through this lack of "passion" too. I have lots of little things to dabble in and I wonder if finding a passion is just my way of swapping out work for a different kind of work - and I really don't need to do that to justify myself (but my inner critic seems to think that I do!)

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  7. My thoughts are that if you are open to ideas, which you are, something will tickle your fancy. Maybe not a passion but a new interest, old interest, hobby, sport etc. Not everything has to be a passion. I think some interests or passions run their course in several years and it is time to move on to the next idea.

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    1. I wonder that too Haralee - but I see people like you who ran businesses, attend craft fairs, re-purpose stuff, and do all sorts of interesting things and I wonder why I can't dredge up a passion or two to pursue. I guess it's different for everyone, but I'm still hoping something pops up to grab my attention!

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  8. I don't think it has to be all or nothing. I have tons of different interests from genealogy to traveling to reading, but I couldn't pick just one. When the inspiration won't come to you go to where it is. Find what you like and look for more of it. It can be anything at all.(Rena)

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    1. Hi Rena - great advice and you're right in that I need to follow the trail of things I like and see where they take me. I'd love to have something that just tweaks my interest and makes me want to pursue it - I guess it just takes time and maybe it'll sneak up on me!

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  9. I don't think you need to have one big passion. If you do, fine. Are you happy? Feeling fulfilled by your life? if so, don't worry about it. If you feel and emptiness or hollowness, then maybe you need to explore further. I talked about reading prolifically. Is that your passion?

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    1. I love reading Michele, but it's an interest and not my driving passion, same with the blog, and volunteering, and all the little hobbies and interests I have. They all serve their purpose and they do fill my days very pleasantly, but I keep wondering if I'm missing out on something bigger because I don't know where to look?

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  10. I'm not sure what my passion is either Leanne ... or even if I have one. At one point I thought it was photography so I pursued that. I pursued it too much though - thinking it was to be my next career - and the passion dimmed. Feeling pressure to make it my career took the joy from it. I still haven't got it back like it was before. I too feel envy for those that have a clear and defined passion that they throw themselves into. I do what Elizabeth Gilbert suggests ... follow my curiosities ... and hopefully I will find my purpose along the way. xo

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    1. I feel the same way Min - I don't want to try to turn any of my little pleasures into things I pursue for a living in case it sucks the joy out of them. I've seen it happen to bloggers who chase the $$ and lose their enjoyment of writing and lose their voice on the treadmill of generating an income. I don't want to be that person.
      I guess it comes down to enjoying the little things and if they grow into something bigger then I can be surprised and excited - rather than struggling to find the next big thing to chase after. I wish something would hurry up and snag my attention though!

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  11. I throw myself into so many things but writing and photography have been the constants. I agree with many of the comments on here though, I don't think you need to have a single "passion" as such - these can, like great crushes, fizzle out into nothing. I say follow your curiosity, keep and open mind & continue to explore anything that interests you.

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    1. Jo you're such an inspiration to me of someone who has several things that they've taken to the next level - your work, your novels, your appreciation of good food, your cooking, your photography, your blog, your astrology - how you juggle it all amazes me - perhaps you could pass one or two over to me so I have something to grab my attention?

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  12. I've decided, Leanne, that your passion is your blog. Think how much time it takes for its care and feeding, creating content and hosting a link-up. Maybe not a passion, but a serious leisure pursuit that I believe you would really miss if you didn't do it. You just retired, too, so don't pressure yourself to pursue a passion. Passion doesn't always have to translate into a big, productive wow-inspiring thing. Otherwise, my Candy Crush game would be a passion and it is NOT, LOL!

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    1. I definitely agree that blogging is a serious leisure pursuit for me Terri - it really has caught my heart and mind and fills several hours a week with good things and wonderful connections. It's a small passion, but I feel with retirement that I need a few other things that really stimulate my mind - I guess I'll just keep trying new things as they come along and hopefully something will catch and hold my attention (like blogging seems to have!) Thanks for your wise words x

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  13. I hope you and all women forgive me the analogy, but your post reminded me of a woman who wants so desperately to be pregnant but it never happens. As soon as she returns to living her life, enjoying what she has and relaxes, Boom! she's pregnant. Perhaps you're looking so hard for external things that you're forgetting the passion you have for your family and the new grands that are bringing you such joy. I don't think a passion needs to be a hobby-type activity, it can be more esoteric.
    I'm reminded of the Kirsten Dunst character in 'Elizabethtown' who, whenever she wants to remember a moment, holds up an imaginary camera and "click" captures that moment. Perhaps without realizing it, I think you've sort of done that with your children and your granddaughters and then you're kind enough to share them with us.
    This is the time when "Seek and ye shall find" needs to be shown the door! You're fabulous just the way you are!

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    1. Oh Agnes what a lovely thing to say - thank you xx I keep thinking I'm not quite enough and especially now I'm not working any more. Something inside me keeps pushing to find the next new thing to fill the gap that not working has created. I LOVE being at home, I LOVE my husband, kids and grandgirls, and I love all the different interests I have - but I keep coming back to "is it enough?" Other people seem to think so, but whatever is lacking inside me keeps asking if there's more to tackle. I think you're right that I might be looking for something I've already found and haven't recognized and acknowledged yet - I'm going to think on that some more - thank you xxx

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  14. I think passion is a term that's being misused. I prefer the term "find your bliss" because it doesn't sound so all consuming. It seems to me you're in the midst of your bliss right now. Enjoying time that's now available. Blogging to your heart's content. Whoever said blogging had to lead to books or courses? It's not some mandatory requirement. Do you and enjoy it without feeling like you're supposed to be doing something else.

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    1. I have indeed found my bliss Jennifer - leaving work and not needing to shove my way back into the workforce has been just wonderful. Having time to chill and relax and read and write and whatever else has indeed been blissful. It's definitely a societal thing that is in the back of my mind - having to prove myself to people I don't even care about is riduculous to say the least - I really do need to get over myself don't I?

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  15. Such an interesting post. I'm not sure everyone has a passion. I know I get passionate about something and then I burn out and get passionate about something else. I think if you wrote over 800 blog posts then you are probably pretty passionate about writing. Maybe not a novel, but I think you are pretty passionate about your blog, do you think?
    I really enjoyed this! #MSTL Theresa from fabinyourfifties

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    1. I'm definitely passionate about this blog Theresa - but not passionate enough to try to make a living from it. Maybe I love it too much to turn it into something that's not personal and from my heart - which is what I'd have to do if I wanted to make money from it. I think I need to cut myself a bit of slack and realize that I'm thoroughly happy with my life atm and I don't need to take it up a notch just to show people that I can - perhaps the need to prove myself is what I need to get over, rather than pursue?

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  16. ...forgot to add that I shared to Pinterest and my fb page!-Theresa

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  17. Leanne I don’t know you well, but I’ve been enjoying getting to know you. I would say you definitely have a passion for life. I wouldn’t worry about looking for a passion. You’ve made a huge life change and you probably need to let it evolve naturally. #MLSTL Sharing on SM

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    1. You're right Jennifer - it's the evolving that I'm struggling with a little. I want to speed the process up and discover what the future holds. It may not hold anything different to what I have now, and that's not a bad thing - but I just want to know! Agghhh I'm my own worst enemy at times!

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  18. Isn't this why we are all different? I have tried lots of things (along with working in education) and whilst I did not excel at any, I gave things a go. In our family we all seem to have things we are good at and enjoy but none of us excel. I no longer think I "have to be" or "do" anything but I sure did for some years. What is it they say about comparison?? I also add, you have some time on your hands right now which can, in its own way be a little bit unhelpful. I am slowly learning UNbusy is good for my health. Denyse #mlstl ps. no book or e-book from this blogger!

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    1. Hi Denyse - I'm also working my way into the Unbusy/Slow Movement way of approaching life. I like the idea of doing less and owning less and needing less. I definitely have too much thinking time atm and that's probably why stuff like this rises to the surface. When I'm busy I don't have the headspace to wonder what's next or what I can learn or add to my life. I'll probably get the balance right over time - a bit of new stuff, a bit of dabbling, a bit of doing nothing - and just finding my sweet spot.

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  19. Hi Leanne, I think it is perfectly okay to live a happy and fulfilled life without a 'burning passion' to do, create or convey something to the world. The world is already a better place just because you are in it. I believe it's part of accepting and loving ourselves as we are, right now. #MLSTL and sharing on SM xo

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    1. That's such a lovely thought Candi - that if we're giving our best selves to the world then that's enough. I think I need to stop looking at the highlight reel of other people's achievement and just be thankful that I have this time of peace and settledness in my life - and that I don't need to fill it with something new and whizz-bang!

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  20. Hi Leanne,
    I can so relate to this...I have no burning desire to write a novel, as much as I enjoy writing on my blog. I have taken up knitting again, but I can't say it is a burning passion. My interests wax and wane, and I think that is just who I am and that it just has to be ok'.
    #mlstl

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    1. I'm wondering if I need to be happy with things waxing and waning too. I don't even know if I have it in me to sustain a burning passion for any length of time without it driving me crazy or wearing me out :) A little more contentment and gratitude is probably what I need rather than a new thing to pursue!

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  21. Dear Leanne, You express your feelings about looking for a passion so well, and your passionate desire to not go back to where you were. I find when I embrace and accept my feelings and circumstances exactly the way they are that eventually the answer comes to me. Maybe you could try to develop a wait and see attitude or pray for patience. A friend of mine has the motto "more will be revealed." That sometimes works for me. Maybe being in uncertainty is an okay place. What do you think?

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    1. That's a good point Nancy - I think I'm not good with uncertainty and this is a time of learning for me where I get to question what's important in my life. I wonder about returning to work, I wonder if being retired is enough, I wonder if there's more to learn and to discover, and so many other wonderings. I kind of want it all to be revealed right now and to not have to wait, but that's not how life works is it? So I guess I settle into the uncertainty and see where it takes me....

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  22. You've described me to a tee Leanne. Even though I have written a novel, it was a labor of love for my mother. I labored over it, literally, hoping the passion would boil up from somewhere and the words would spill out. I'm so glad I did it, but have no desire to write another. I might say I'm passionate about wellness and fitness, but that may be an overstatement. I do love traveling. Can that be a passion? My life is full, but I do sometimes wonder if I need a "passion" or at least a hobby by the time I retire. #MLSTL

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    1. My life is full too Christie and yet there isn't "one thing" that really grabs me. I keep reading about other people that have found something that grabs them and they invest all their spare time and energy into it - but not me. It's interesting that your novel hasn't been "it" for you and Pat said the same with the book she wrote. That relieves my mind a little because I thought I might be really missing out on a big deal by not having that "write a book" thing happening - a bit of a relief indeed!

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  23. Leanne, I think the world is so full of wonderful things to be interested in that I'm rather glad I don't have that one big thing that consumes me. I call myself a dabbler, dipping my toe into many interests as they come to me. People often suggest to me that, with my cooking skills and love of afternoon tea, I should open a restaurant, a catering business or a tearoom; but that would suck all the joy out of it. Or that I should write a book; that *could* happen, but publishing has changed and I'm not sure that would pay for the enormous amount of time called for. It was even suggested recently that I should make a business of my interest in healthful eating and fitness. Don't let people push you into a job or business!

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    1. I soooo get what you're saying Jean! I've been told to write a book or monetize my blog - both would involve a lot of work and not much joy. I think that dabbling might be one of the joys of Midlife - where you don't have to have a reason to do anything - other than just for the sheer joy of doing it :)

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  24. I just recently found your blog and I love it. This article really spoke to me! I have had many passions over the years, but once I reach a certain point of skill, I'm ready to move onto the next. Now I'm trying blogging.

    Thanks for making me feeling less guilty about flitting from thing to thing and not having a novel burning in my soul.

    Rebecca

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    1. Hi Rebecca - I'm so glad you found me and I hope you'll keep coming back. Welcome to the non-novel writing bloggers' club! I think I'm just made for short spurts of writing and then moving on to the next thought that runs through my head - all those thousands of words in one novel just freaks me right out! As you develop your blogging I hope you'll link some of it to our Wednesday #MLSTL party so we can get to know you better x

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  25. Leanne, I consider myself a passionate person, but I am not committed to any one thing.I often refer to myself as a "jack of all trades, master of none." Collectively, my interests are fulfilling. They give my days structure, and they provide balance with regard to what I need to maintain contentment. You've just experienced a life change and you probably just need time and patience to consider what next.

    You inform, encourage and connect people through meaningful interaction on your Blog every day. That could not happen without passion.

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    1. I hadn't thought about being a passionate person who doesn't need one specific "passion" to define them Suzanne - but I like the idea a lot! I have so many things that engage my mind - and probably room for a few more, but maybe not just one big thing (and that's going to be okay I'm sure!)

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  26. You said it yourself in the first part of your blog --
    "...not less, just different" and isn't it grand that in life we ARE all so different! What a boring world it would be if we were all alike.

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    1. You're right Trisha - I guess we can't all be super focused on just one area, some of us obviously like to diversify and that's really okay isn't it?

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  27. If you want to make a living off your blog, you would do well. However I very selfishly hope you don't, because it would change the way you relate to writing and sharing. Blogging is not your only interest and because you have other interests, you blog better. Your gift of sharing is not stifled by what others expect of you. You have the ability to say what others may be thinking but can't put into words. Your gift has helped and encouraged so many. Relax and keep up all your interests as long as they remain interesting to you. We will feature your post on the next Blogger's Pit Stop
    Kathleen

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    1. Thanks so much for another feature Kathleen - I'm always so proud to be included when you choose my posts! And you're right about monetizing changing the flavour of my blog. I've seen it happen on so many other blogs - where it becomes about selling a product or changing the topics that are written on so more sales links can be included etc. I have absolutely no desire to lose my voice for the almighty dollar. I love sharing my thoughts on my own terms and I'll be staying that way here for sure. I'm so glad you enjoy reading what I write and hopefully it resonates with others too.

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  28. Hi Leanne I reaĺly enjoy your blog, and your Saturday snippets and If we were having coffee posts and can sèe you love what you are doing when you are writing. Someone mentioned the word Bliss and I also much prefer it to Passion. Passion is one of the current buzz words. IT makes me feel uncomfortable as does Monetize and Upscale, words that are pressure words. At this time in my life my biggest challenge is to avoid pressure especially the self-imposed kind. Once long ago I heard the advice to Foĺow Your Bliss and it started me on a discovery journey to give myself permision to do what feels good and is joyful. Perhaps that is pasion but I feel the same way doing many different things. If you are familiar with Barbara Sher's work, you know she calls this being a Scanner, a valid and great thing to be.

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    1. I really like the idea of "following my bliss" and just lettig the joy of something direct me, rather than trying to define the worthiness of a pastime by how much I'm driven to participate in it. I'm never going to be the person who discovers their inner Picasso at 70 or their JK Rowling at 60, but I can discover more of myself as time goes on and that's pretty special too.
      Thanks so much for your kind words and I'm so thrilled you enjoy my posts xx

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