The word “passion” is often passed around like oven–hot bread at Sunday dinner.
We might equate it with our strong affection for coffee, a new restaurant, or even the latest series on NetFlix. At times we may search endlessly to discover what we’re truly passionate about, only to come up empty–handed. It can be frustrating! Even our highest career and life goals are often described through the lens of our passions.
With passion being tossed about with such ease, it might surprise us to learn the origin of the word. Passion is described as being willing to suffer for someone or something we love. Think of the “Passion of the Christ”, a mother’s love for her child or the protective instincts of a husband for his wife. Suffering for something or someone we love brings this word home – straight to the heart. It also reveals the flippancy of how we use this word today.
As we do the work of becoming more aware of who we are, we often by default start uncovering our true purpose and passion in life. While it’s empowering to have a stronger sense of direction, the question begins to shift from, “Who AM I?” to “Where do I want to go?” It’s at this beautiful juncture of purpose and passion that we have an all new decision to make.
With renewed zest our feet finally hit the ground, the temptation is to start running full force ahead. However, the next big step on the journey is asking ourselves, “ Am I willing to pay the price to get to where I want to go?” It is here that passion reveals its true identity. No more surface level romanticism, our passions WILL COST US. God created each one of us to do His work, He planted those seeds of longing within our hearts. In order to get to where we want to go will require sacrifice. Are we willing to give of our time, talents and resources to fulfill our dreams?
This is where most turn back. They realize the cost is too great. Fear takes hold. Doubt creeps in. Life takes over and we settle for being aware of who we are – and stop right there. We choose to SPEND our time, talents and resources on things that simply keep the boat from rocking.
What if instead – we took the risk? What would happen if we went all in and INVESTED in OURSELVES? The word invest could be defined as putting forward, laying out, or committing to with an expectation of a greater return.
This is so POWERFUL!
Yes, pursuing your passion will require sacrifice – with the expectation of a greater return!
Yes, you will give EXTENSIVELY of your time – with the expectation of a greater return!
Yes, you will put money forward – with the expectation of a greater return!
Yes, you will have to develop your talent – with the expectation of a greater return!
Do you see the pattern unfolding? Our courage to step forward, accepting the sacrifice, and leaning into our full potential brings with it the expectation of a greater return. This really hits home for me. When I consider the price that Jesus paid for my life, my salvation, my unique talents – how could I possibly go back to sitting on the sidelines? How can I not be willing to pay the price to put into action the gifts He’s given to me?
What does investing in ourselves look like in real time? Here’s an example of the steps I took to launch LEAD My Life. I’m hoping it may stir up your imagination to invest into your own dreams.
Back in July of 2020, right when things began to open up from pandemic shutdowns Todd and I went on a backpacking trip in the Colorado Rockies. It was an amazing time of moving OUTWARD into what is arguably the most majestic place on earth. We had two weeks of mental space to process all the craziness in our world. Completely removed from the political and social mayhem our minds started to dream a bit.
It was from this time away, that God began to plant the early seeds for LEAD My Life. It hadn’t completely formed yet but was morphing into a strong idea. I felt the nudge that I needed to take a courageous step forward. I accepted.
A five year timeline was formulated. In January 2021, I took a leap of faith and committed financially into forming a company called Living Beyond The Nest. My idea was to offer support and training to women who were feeling hopeless and stuck in an empty-nest transition season of life.
My first step was to form an accountability group. This group of three is now my cherished inner circle. I began to frame up the structure for my new business. Developing a new set of skills became necessary. I invested in courses, mentors, joined women’s organizations all with expectation of a greater return sometime down the road. I felt God’s calling on my dream and instinctively knew that my efforts would not be in vain. I trusted in His direction daily. Were there failures and tears? YES! I continued to commit to the path and move forward.
By 2022, more time was committed and the concept was beginning to take shape. I took on beta coaching clients to get feedback and worked to develop my systems. This helped shape the product offering and establish the value I could bring to the women I desired to serve. I launched my first workshop in November 2022 with more to follow in 2023. Blood, sweat and tears produced the beta launch of my first 90 Day Planners with Purpose. I had CURRICULUM and a PRODUCT! More adjusting, more time invested, more defining what I had to offer.
By August of 2023 I reached one of my final goals of becoming a member of the Maxwell Leadership Team. With a crystal clear vision it was time to nail down the roof on my business “house”. The websites and marketing were created! On January 10, 2024 we launched LEAD My Life with a dinner mastermind and a room full of women eager for more in their lives. A beautiful return on investment through the power of changed lives was taking shape!
Some may respond to my story with, “I don’t have the time, talent or resources” that you did to launch your dream. That may be true, we each have our own unique places to start. However, please note that while pursuing my dream head on, I did not stop working as a Realtor. Time and life circumstances did not stand still for me so that I could work on my vision. In fact, it seemed like the challenges and demands on my life increased tenfold.
God did not create the storms that came into my life during this time, rather he created me for the storms. He sustained me through them and I learned to stand in His strength. I had to stick to my plan and make continual sacrifices, and so will you.
Never have I been more keenly aware of the value of investing our time, talents and resources with the expectation of a greater return in all areas of our work, faith and life. A person who lacks vision spends transactionally to get a temporary gratification for their efforts. They must go back to earn more so they can spend again. An endless cycle of earning to spend to earn again.
The wise woman who invests into her purpose and passion magnifies her time, talent and resources to the point of exponential growth. As I invest my gifts into you, you in turn will place your gifts into action. The person who is the recipient of your gifts turns around and pours them into others. An EXPECTATION of an even GREATER RETURN is born through our initial investment. The potential is limitless.
As we begin to unravel our purpose with the passion to see it through, let’s also summon the courage to move out and invest into our dreams. When asked if we are willing to pay the price to get to where we want to go, may we answer with a resounding YES! Expecting that in due time we will reap the rewards of our investment if we stay the course.
