Ignite Your Passion

Photo Credit: Emilio Guzman

“There is no passion to be found in playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Canada Day was on Monday the first of July, and I can’t think of a better introduction to this week’s musing on igniting your passion. The experience of living as an expat for eight and a half years was a gift I will always treasure for many reasons but one of the greatest of all was how it awakened my appreciation and love for my country.

Contrasts have this power. We often discover what matters to us through the process of eliminating what doesn’t. Some things that Canadians who have never lived abroad complain about are what I value about my native land. Our public health system is a prime example. Despite the flaws, the support and access Mister and I have received since moving back to Canada last November has been life changing. It took living in a country with no public health system to fully appreciate what I had previously taken for granted.

You don’t have to move abroad to rekindle your zeal for life. Enthusiasm can be cultivated through a conscious shift to a positive mindset. Focus on what you have, not what you don’t. You have a choice in how your life manifests.

Instead of complaining about things you can’t change, like the weather, the traffic, or the disagreeable people in your life, be happy for each new day. Notice the little things that bring you joy. The sunrise, a tree in full bloom, a good book. Be a blessing to the people around you. Spend time with family and friends who are kind and loving.

Get out a piece of paper (or your laptop) and make two columns: Positive Things and Negative Things. Write down everything that comes into your mind in each column. Cut the list in half and toss the negative list in the garbage (or press delete). Focus your attention on the list of positive things. Before you know it, you’ll notice blessings everywhere you look.

Don’t give up when the going gets hard, because it will. Stick to your resolve. Make the decision to live with an attitude of gratitude, no matter the circumstances. Make a choice to plant seeds of love and cultivate them every day. You get out of life what you’re willing to put into it. Life is full of joy when you ignite your passion.

COMING UP…

Books & Projects:

·      All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.

·      I finished writing my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.

Reviews & Interviews:

·      You can read, listen or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.

Events:

·      There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.

YouTube Channel:

·      Watch The Rogue Scorpion trailer.

·      Watch The Holding trailer.

·      Watch The Healing trailer.