Are You Living Passionately Everyday?

Passion"
What is it? How does it make you feel? Can you create it?
Can you live your life passionately every day? Yes you can!
Dictionary.com Unabridged defines passion as: a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm or desire for anything: e.g. a passion for music. I say, how about a passion for living life to the fullest every day?

As I reflect on my days as a student nurse living in Jamaica. I remember one of my friends in nursing school saying to me. 'I don't like it when you take a day off; it's not as much fun when you are not here." Many years have passed since she said that. Now as I think about what she said, I remember how passionate I was about being a student nurse.

I was eagerly awaiting graduation to a registered nurse with pride and enthusiasm. I went to classes and to my practicum with a sense of purpose, fulfillment, enjoyment and enthusiasm. Now I know what my friend liked about me and enjoyed being around. It was my passion.
Today my passion, enthusiasm and zest for life continue to fulfill me.

These are the things that inspire and motivate me to live a passionate life every day.

Physical Activities
Exercise is a vital part of my daily activities, which ranges from salsa, yoga, power-flex or belly dancing. There is always an activity to energize me at the gym. I also love the results I see in the mirror.

Spiritual Outlets
My daily spiritual outlets vary from attending daily mass, reading a spiritually uplifting book, meditation or taking a long, quiet walk. Miami offers many places such as, Deering Estates, Fairchild Gardens, Miami Metro-Zoo and many other parks and nature trails to explore.

Emotional Outlets
Staying emotionally connected to my family and friends, is nurturing and it gives me a sense of belonging and support.

Sharing and discussing simple every day events with friends.

Having telephone conversations with a friend.

Sharing a meal together with family.

Enjoying a shopping spree together with friends.

Making new friends, sharing new ventures and expanding my horizons make my days sparkle.

Enjoying these simple activities keeps me grounded and adds passion to my days.

Educational Outlets
I have taken creative writing courses at the community college which has kept my passion for writing flowing. I also took a class in race-walking at the community college which improved my race-walking abilities and took my race walking from 5K competitions to competing in the Toyota-Prius Miami Tropical Marathon on February 2, 2003. The results: 10th place in my age group which gained me a plaque and a medal. I am still ecstatic about the results and passionate about race-walking.

Other Outlets
Toastmasters International
This is an organization that provides the opportunity for anyone to join and improve their communication and leadership skills. I have been an active member of the West Kendall Toastmasters Club for 5 years. This has become a passion that is competing for my writing time.

South Florida Writers Association (SFWA)
SFWA is a group of writers that varies from aspiring writers to writers like, honorary member, Dave Barry, humorist and Pulitzer Prize winner for Commentary in 1988. Being a part of this organization for over ten years inspires me and adds passion to my love of writing.

Gold-Diggers
My dream and passion to participate in a theatrical group came last year when I joined the
Gold-Diggers group. The Gold-Diggers, have been performing a musical production each year for thirty-one years at the Gusman Theater downtown Miami, Florida. The organization's main charities are the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, South Florida Chapter and the Food for Life Network. The opportunity to live my dream, contribute to the community and have so much fun makes this my latest passion.

Miami offers so much diversity in people, foods, cultural and educational activities, it is easy to keep the flames of my passion burning.

So what Can You Do to Create Passion in your Life?

Stop, look and listen to all the wonders of nature and to life itself.

Relax, live in the moment.

Conquer your fears.

Pursue your challenges.

Find your purpose.

Be bold, daring and let the flames of your passion burn every day.

Live your dreams.

www.toastmasters.org
www.Gold-Diggers.org