How do you find your passion? With so many things bombarding us for our attention, it is easy to conform instead of finding your own passion.  I found myself doing that, thanks to social media.  My passion for flower farming got the best of me because I wanted to emulate what the rest of the flower farmers were doing.  But the more I started asking myself, “What is your passion?”, the more I started paying attention to what I enjoyed.

The comparison trap

The downside to social media is the comparison trap.  We see only what the picture shows.  We have no idea what’s really going on.  A few years back I saw this photo of Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, and Moms’ Night Out) and it gave me a whole new perspective.       This lady is smart and funny!  And she’s not afraid to be herself, obviously.  And you simply must watch Moms’ Night Out if you haven’t already.  (You can probably find it at your library too.) So, yeah.  First trap is social media comparison.  But I’m here to tell you: don’t. fall. for. it.  Enjoy and celebrate people’s accomplishments, but stop comparing yourself!

Feeling insecure

Probably the number one reason I want to be like others is because I am insecure in my own abilities. It’s easy to look at successful people and think, “They’ve got it together. I’ll just imitate them.” Once again, take a good look at the second photo above. We don’t see the big picture!!! I imagine if we were to be privy to successful people’s day to day lives, we’d be surprised. Feeling insecure is normal. I will repeat. Feeling insecure is normal. Feeling scared before a performance or a game is normal. The older we get, trying something new is daunting. My mother, bless her heart (I live in the South now… just blending in), will NOT get a smart phone. She’s convinced it would be too difficult to use. Nothing we can say or do will convince her. But she used to not take my dad anywhere (he has Alzheimers) because she was insecure of how he would act. She relied on others to watch him so she could go out. But some of those people aren’t able to help anymore. Guess what? She’s now been taking him to different places and her fears have been allayed.

Find your passion

I’m telling you, it is a breath of fresh air when you look to yourself and find your passion. Stop relying on others (comparison or because of insecurity) and study your strengths. Study your abilities. Study what gives you joy. Try a little of it. From there, learn what works and keep going. Find your passion. You can do it! Want to try something new? Come to one of our workshops (or schedule one for your group). Or participate or schedule a flower arranging class!