Passion is a powerful force that can ignite the flames of inspiration within us and guide us on unexpected journeys. It can transform ordinary individuals into extraordinary beings, leading them down paths they never imagined. The beauty of passion lies in its unpredictability, its capacity to open doors to new experiences, and its potential to shape our lives in profound ways. At times, we may find ourselves pursuing a passion without a clear destination in mind. We embark on the journey purely out of love for what we do, unaware of where it may lead us. This is the magic of passion—it has the ability to rise above boundaries and create opportunities that were once unimaginable.
Passion not only propels us forward but also gives us the courage and resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks along the way. It fuels our determination and enables us to push beyond our limits and limiting beliefs. It is the driving force behind countless success stories, whether in business, arts, sports, or any other field. Moreover, passion can uncover hidden talents and interests within us. As we dive deeper into our passions, we may discover unexpected skills and aptitudes that were lying dormant. This self-discovery can lead to personal growth, as well as opportunities for professional development and fulfillment. Embracing your passion and allowing it to guide you is a courageous act. It requires stepping into the unknown and trusting that the journey will be worthwhile. It may lead you to new places, introduce you to inspiring individuals, and help you leave a lasting impact on the world.
This was certainly my experience. I was introduced to group fitness briefly at university in 1981. During my sabbatical year in 1983, I began my career as an aerobics instructor and fitness trainer at a women club which was part of a popular Toronto women’s fitness chain. I was mentored by incredible fitness leaders and began to imagine my ‘dream career’ that I daydreamed about back in high school and even declared in my graduating yearbook… “anything to do with fitness where I could travel”. What I did not realize at the time was that my passion for teaching fitness and for travelling the world would become my purpose in life and this passion and purpose would evolve into a thriving full-time career. Then in 1984, I landed what I imagined to be a fun part time teaching job while attending physiotherapy school and always believed it was simply sheer luck that I got hired by the owner himself. Then in 1990, I attended my first international fitness industry conference, and it was there I met incredible presenters and received invaluable education that helped me realize that my dream career was in front of me. All I needed to do was take a leap of faith and step into the unknown and create my destiny. This was a pivotal MO’ment that transformed my career from that day onward. Within weeks I signed up to take my international fitness instructor certification and announced to my full time place of employment that I was taking a sabbatical to travel the South Pacific and Asia for 5 months. One step led to another and within weeks of returning home from my backpacking trek, I resigned from my full-time position as a physiotherapist in a large teaching hospital and accepted a new role offered to me at my fitness club. The rest you can say is history. Many times, I did not know what I was doing but I knew my purpose (why) and I simply showed up!
So, follow your passion wholeheartedly, even if you don’t know where it will take you. Embrace the uncertainty and trust that every step will bring you closer to something purposeful. Remember, it’s not always about the destination; sometimes, the joy lies in the journey itself. Let your passion be your compass and allow it to lead you to extraordinary places you never thought possible. Trust in the power of your passion, for it holds the key to unlocking the remarkable places that await you on your amazing journey to purpose. “What you are seeking is a lot closer than you think” Gerry Visca
