As the month of love and romance kicks into high gear, we think about those we love, appreciate and especially those we skip a heartbeat to be around. Where are you on that list of your loved ones? How are you showing love to yourself and embracing who you are in your daily endeavors at home and at work? Many of the qualities others love and appreciate about us, we take for granted and often don't acknowledge or appreciate fully ourselves. We give these aspects of ourselves to others without pause, never considering how these characteristics could play a pivotal role in truly realizing the life of our dreams. More important, because we are not giving ourselves our own due credit, we are not fully nurturing and exploring the possibilities in how these qualities in us could bring us true joy in our work and life.
What you love to do: What are things you thoroughly enjoy doing that you could do all the time if you had it your way? What types of activities delight you so much, that when you are participating in them, time seems to fly by and you cannot wait to be enjoying again? Are you making these things a part of your everyday life in some way?
How you love to be: When are you most comfortable with yourself and with others? When someone says something that they love about you, what is it they mention? What do others appreciate about you? Are these aspects of who you are at the forefront of what you do on a daily basis?
Where you love to be: Think of places and environments you enjoy being in. Where do you like to go to replenish your spirit, recharge and reconnect with yourself and the world? Where do you love to go to be inspired, motivated or entertained? Where do you like to be that brings out the best in you and what you have to give to others?
Who you love to be around: Make a list of everyone in your life you enjoy sharing time with … friends, family members, and work colleagues. Then list the reasons why you cherish time with them and how it makes you feel. Who do you admire and enjoy being inspired by? Are you allowing circumstances and demands keep you away from enjoying these people?
If you are not happy with your current circumstance or situation, chances are you are not allowing
the true you to be at the forefront. Those who are the most passionate in their lives and in what they do are embracing who they are and allowing these characteristics to thrive and take them where they want to ultimately go. Bringing out your best life also means bringing out the best in you. The best place to start in making this your reality is to bring your passions to life in your work and everyday living.
Passion for doing: Now that you’ve identified what you love to do, make it a point to incorporate them into your life and work. If you love to celebrate, then be the one to throw the party or sprinkle celebration into work and your life with others. If you love to be creative, but it is not a part of your role in your job, explore ways you can put your creativity to use at work and at home.
Passion for learning: If you dream of going to exotic places, learn more about them so they feel closer to you. If you strive to advance your position in your work, learn another skill that will help take you there. It is no coincidence that passionate people are also passionate about learning and growing.
Passion for being: At work and at home, you should be surrounded by things that you love to be around. So whatever delights you, excites you, stimulates you, inspires you, motivates you, encourages you, empowers you, calms you, invigorates you, and recharges you … transform your surroundings into your “you-nique” haven with artwork, inspirational sayings, photographs, colors, and décor that speak to your passion for living and working.
Passion for others: Whatever you believe will make the world a better place for you and for others, discover ways you can bring that belief to life in what you do and what you get involved in to make a difference. There is no more empowering feeling than helping others create their best life.
