Do you feel that all you have done is make others rich, successful and happy? Take your POWER back.

I have come to realise these past few months that living other people's dreams and helping them achieve their goals has hurt me emotionally and physically, it led to my anxiety. I used to think that doing my job well would lead to my feeling good about my life and that I would be appreciated for all the sacrifices I made. But alas no, I got hurt, let go and abandoned. Nobody came to see how I was after they had gotten what they wanted. Nobody cared once I walked out after the "tearful" farewell. It was difficult to accept that I was truly alone (from a work point of view, I have a supportive husband and family) but as Mel Robbins says, "NOBODY IS COMING", and all the extra hours and overtime meant nothing once I left. All it did was take from my body, mind and spirit and leave me with an empty shell.

I have been doing some soul-searching and am working to create a space where everyone can heal naturally, begin doing what is right for their bodies, minds and spirits and get to a place where they can also give back. No more fulfilling others' dreams but being a guide for everyone to reach their own version of happiness and purpose. 

So, let's begin by finding out what we are supposed to be doing on this earth. If you are doing what you love and are meant to do you will have more energy, and motivation and have a reason to keep going when it gets tough. Discovering your passions is a self-exploration journey involving identifying what truly energises, inspires, and fulfils you. I am working through the below and hope it will give you some guidance too.

1. Reflect on Your Interests

• Ask Yourself:
  • What activities or topics consistently draw your attention?
  • What subjects do you naturally talk or read about for hours?
  • What did you enjoy doing as a child that you might have forgotten?
• Action: Make a list of things you’re curious about or enjoy, even if they seem unrelated.

2. Explore Your Talents

• Ask Yourself:
  • What am I naturally good at?
  • What skills have I developed that I enjoy using?
  • What do others compliment me on or seek my advice about?
• Action: Identify areas where your skills and interests intersect.

3. Notice When You Feel Most Alive

• Pay attention to moments when:
  • Time seems to fly by (a state of “flow”).
  • You feel energized, not drained.
  • You are deeply engaged and excited about what you’re doing.
• Action: Journal about these experiences and look for patterns.

4. Try New Things

• Experiment: Explore hobbies, volunteer work, or courses that pique your curiosity.
• Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Passion often emerges from new and unexpected experiences.
• Action: Commit to trying at least one new activity every month.

5. Identify Your Core Values

• Ask Yourself:
  • What values guide my decisions (e.g., creativity, helping others, adventure)?
  • What causes or issues do I deeply care about?
• Action: Align potential passions with your values to ensure they resonate with your authentic self.

6. Recall Moments of Fulfilment

• Think about:
  • Times when you felt proud or accomplished.
  • Activities that gave you a sense of purpose or joy.
• Action: Write down these moments and explore the feelings associated with them.

7. Observe What Inspires You

• Pay attention to:
  • People you admire and why.
  • Books, podcasts, or social media content that energises you.
• Action: Identify traits, activities, or themes that resonate with you.

8. Overcome Fear of Judgment

• Challenge Assumptions:
  • Are you holding back on exploring passions because they seem impractical or frivolous?
• Action: Allow yourself to explore without worrying about external validation.

9. Combine Passions

• Sometimes passions emerge when you blend interests. For example:
  • Love of writing + interest in wellness = health blogging.
  • Passion for art + desire to help others = art therapy.
• Action: Look for creative ways to combine your skills and interests.

10. Revisit Often

• Passions Evolve: What excites you now may change over time.
• Action: Periodically reassess your interests and allow space for growth.

Helpful Questions to Discover Your Passions

1. If money and time were no object, what would I do every day?
2. What’s one thing I could talk about endlessly without getting bored?
3. What have I always wanted to try but haven’t?
4. What makes me lose track of time?
5. What problem would I love to solve in the world?

Take Small Steps

• You don’t have to find your ultimate passion immediately. Start with small steps:
  • Dedicate 15 minutes a day to exploring an interest.
  • Volunteer or take a class related to something you enjoy.

Seek Guidance

• Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or a coach. They can provide insights into your strengths and interests.

Discovering your passions is an ongoing journey. It’s not about identifying what you love but finding ways to integrate those passions into your life to create meaning.

So, I am not calling 2025 MY year but the year when I hope to find my authentic self and help as many people as possible to do the same.

Here is to one day at a time, baby steps and small wins to a happier, healthier you. 

Your friend 

Karin