It’s true we are what we eat. I believe it. Not only physically, but also mentally. Food makes us either feel good about ourselves or not so good about ourselves. And when we surround ourselves with all things good, our spirits are lifted. I experienced this during a recent Sunday Brunch I was invited to.
Last Sunday, the long awaited day had come. It was a gathering of a few friends, food, and wine. We had been invited to Sunday Brunch! I knew just being with good friends would lift my spirits. Sometimes, our lives get muddled and we need a little pick me up.
The anticipation of knowing the date was coming actually lifted my spirits. But what awaited on the table was more than I expected. When we arrived, the table was set. I was handed a glass of bubbly, which put a smile on my face. I began to relax while sipping and talking and watching as the first meal course was brought to the table.
As we gathered at the table and began to eat, I noticed how relaxed I became. The food was wonderful. It was beautiful. It made me feel good. There are a lot of factors here to say the least. One, I thoroughly enjoyed my friends company. Two, the table was beautiful. Three, the food was wonderful, and prepared with love. Four, the wine was paired perfectly.
I believe all these factors together lifted my spirits that day. All I know, when I left that afternoon, I was fully satisfied.
I had dinner with some friends this weekend and it got me started thinking of the Facebook group, “Follow Your Passion” I had started I started a few years back. It was an opportunity to help others in their quest of following their passions, those going through the evolutions of career change or those who have hit discouraging moments and are in need of uplifting encouragement and advice. This group was all about helping…we never said that everyone had to quit their jobs in order to follow their passions; we simply said “Follow Your Passion.”
I had posted this question on the Facebook group. “What are the top essential habits of highly passionate people?” These were the answers I received…I love them all. I took the top twelve answers and put what I believe to be their meaning. Take a look…
1) Patience – hone in on passion with patience. Be intentional in waiting for those moments when you can honestly say this is my passion. Do not let it be mistaken for a wild fling. Be ready by giving that passion time to develop. Without patience we would not make the right decisions. Important: Patience does not mean “putting it off until tomorrow.” Realize when it’s time and get started!
2) Persistence– sometimes we don’t realize how close we are to success! We must realize what motivates us and use it to our advantage. I love the old saying by Franklin Roosevelt – “When you have come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” There will be times when you feel as if you don’t have the strength to go on. That’s when it may be time to take a break. Tie that knot, hang on and rest for a minute. Then get back at it!
3) Dedication – staying the course. Being diligent to your cause. It requires commitment and perseverance. Just remember to stop and smell the roses once in awhile.
4) Optimism – this makes me think of the saying “Is the glass half full or half empty?” Having a positive attitude gives us greater joy on a day-to-day basis. Hanging out with positive people makes for a better optimistic view of what’s going on around you.
5) Open-minded – being receptive to new ways or new ideas. Flexible. Willing to change.
6) Leave the naysayers behind – these people will always be around us. Finding those who will counter balance them is the key. The naysayers may be some of the favorite people in your life, but the best thing is to just let them be. Find people whom you can connect with and talk to about your dreams and aspirations. Find people who will encourage you along the way.
7) Stay focused on the goal – Life has a way of adding distractions along the way. We must first determine our goal and use our time wisely to achieve it.
8) Consistency – we all need structure, focus, and experience. Being consistent helps build your technique, your form and your skills. Sometimes we must consistently refocus our minds and keep on the task at hand. This allows us to keep from getting distracted. It’s a lot easier to be consistent with the things we love…
9) Belief in oneself – never give up. Never forget you have it within you to succeed. Your self confidence stems from the belief of who you think you are, who you want to become, and what you believe in.
10) Be Amazing – You are amazing. You are an inspiration to others. Be authentic. An amazing person makes a difference in other people’s lives.
11) Supportive friends – share your passion with like-minded, positive and supportive people. I like to call this my supportive community.
12) Wine – my belief in Great Wine is that it brings something magical to the table when you share it with Wonderful friends and Awesome food…
There are many articles on the web about following your passion such as these. Follow Your Passion, Don’t Follow Your Passion, Why Follow Your Passion is Bad Advice, Are you Living Your Passion, The Career Tip to Following Your Passion, etc, etc…
I believe in the power of following your passion. We all have different ideas of what that actually means. Some believe that you cannot follow your passion and make a living. But is that what it’s really all about? If you are pursuing your passion just to chase the almighty dollar – you may not succeed. I truly believe there is more to it than that.
I often meet people in the tasting room and am able to pour wines they have never heard of or never tasted. I am able to share with other people who have various passions. I have heard some awesome “follow your passion” stories, and am able to share my story as well. I see the strength in passion.
If you are having difficulty in believing in the power of passion, and you feel it is not working for you, consider these Five Ways to Show The Power of Passion:
1) Share your successes or failures – it brings about a sense of community 2) Show others that you really care – listen to them with not only your ears but your eyes and your heart 3) Use your passion to give back – help those around you who may need inspiration or encouragement 4) Spread good news – it’s contagious 5) Connect with others – bridge gaps and distances between people
Passion is a driving force. Following your passion is not about the money. It’s about finding life’s path that is caring, sharing, connecting, loving, and fulfilling. It’s inside each of us.
According to Wikipedia “a fork in the road” is a metaphor, based on a literal expression, for a deciding moment in life or history when a major choice of options is required.
I was traveling to a friends house for a Super Bowl party a few years back and had to use my Navigator. (navigator…remember those?) Before I left the house I typed in the address and found the map directions to be quite far but it didn’t look too difficult. As I was driving, one of the instructions was to “take a right at the fork.” I started laughing, visualizing an actual fork sticking up out of the road. The Navigator was telling me which way to turn and at that moment I realized it was much like my chosen career…the path I have chosen. The directions were laid out for me and the destination was already known. All I had to do was follow the instructions. The plan was already in place.
We often know exactly where we want to go, or what we want to do with our lives, but have no idea how to get there. Writing it down and making a plan is often our first step. Each twist and turn or stretch of road makes its way into our plan. Then the distance is set with how long it may take us to get to each “fork in the road” and then to our final destination.
There have been several “fork in the road” moments in my life. Was there a plan? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. At those times when I had no plan I found myself camping out a bit before traveling on. (even in the literal sense, trust me, I don’t do camping well) To get to where you want to be – get your directions first…don’t try to wing it – you just might get lost. Keep your focus and follow your passion…you will find your way.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just type our goals into a “Life Navigator” and get the directions…?
This is the time of year when some people celebrate the Festival of Epiphany. When the Kings (or Wise men) saw the star, they rejoiced. Those wise men had been following that star for quite some time. They were passionate about finding the new born king. They didn’t cease their quest until they found what they longed for…that’s true passion. It was a time for new beginnings.
I absolutely love this time of the year. New beginnings. New horizons. Old things have passed away.
For me, walking through the vineyards this time of the year actually brings a soothing calm to my soul. Walking the narrow rows of the resting vines during the early morning hours can be quite peaceful. The sun is not yet opening its eyes as I quietly stroll through the rows of vines. The dew is still on the ground and the fog is merging with the sweet smells around me. The rows fade and disappear into the fog. The vines are quiet and still, standing at attention as if their commander and chief had just walked by for inspection. All I can hear is the sound of my own breathing. I embrace the opportunity to reflect on the previous year as I gently walk through the vineyard and make my plans for the coming new year.
I yield to the vines. What struggles they go through. They are starting over. New beginnings are about to emerge. The vines will be cut back to bare minimum and soon bud again. New fruit will spring forth.
Much like our own lives, we need new beginnings. We need a new start. We seek a new paths to find our way. Take a walk through the rows of your life and see the new horizons ahead of you…look closely through the fog. It’s there. It will emerge. New fruit will soon spring forth. What are you passionate about? What new beginnings do you see ahead of you…follow it – Do Not Be Afraid….Take a Step…
la mia storia 
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