What’s Stopping You? 9 Tips to Discover Your Passion

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Sometimes, the responsibilities of parenting can overshadow our personal ambitions. While raising little ones is immensely rewarding, carving out time for yourself can feel nearly impossible—even just for a bathroom break! I recently needed a breather, so I headed to a jazz club to see my uncle perform. He joined a jam session, playing alongside other musicians, often with people he had never met before. The atmosphere was spontaneous, with song lengths varying from a few minutes to almost half an hour. He just takes it as it comes, note by note.

The next day, during our walk, I couldn’t help but ask him about the art of jamming.

Me: How do you jump in and play without knowing the tune? Don’t you worry about messing up? Where do you even start?

My uncle: Musicians call out the key, and you just play. You might not know the song, but you improvise and go with the flow. Don’t overthink it; just get up there and jam.

Me: What if you hit a wrong note?

My uncle: (chuckles) It happens. Just keep playing. If you hesitate, you’ll lose the moment. Trust that you’ll find your way back to the music.

I often experience that blissful state when I become absorbed in something that challenges and excites me. It’s a feeling that revitalizes the soul. But it’s tough to nourish your passions when you’re struggling to care for yourself. That night, I decided that I needed to step aside from my inhibitions, call out my key, and start jamming.

“But I’m terrible at this.”
Keep jamming.
“I don’t know how I’ll find the time.”
Keep jamming.
“What if I fail? What will people think?”
Who cares? Enough of that. Just keep jamming.
“The baby just had a blowout!”
Okay, handle that, but then make time to keep jamming.

Sometimes, we fear that pursuing what makes us happy is selfish; ironically, it’s quite the opposite. When we nurture our passions, we become happier and healthier, allowing us to be better versions of ourselves for those around us. I genuinely believe it’s our responsibility to dig deep, embrace our passions, and make a difference. The world needs our unique contributions.

Fast forward two-and-a-half years, and I’m proud to say I’ve completed my goal: I wrote and published a cookbook! Who would have thought? But I’ve learned that when you’re passionate about something, you should never apologize for pursuing it.

Here are my tips for discovering your own jam:

1. Release the Pressure
   Stop fixating on whether you’re doing it right or what others are doing. Your experience is unique, and when you quiet the outside noise, you can hear your inner voice encouraging you.
2. Embrace the Unknown
   As adults, we often act like we have it all figured out, but the truth is, we’re all winging it. You don’t need all the answers to start; just dive in and learn along the way.
3. Anticipate Mistakes
   Mistakes are part of the process. Accept that you’ll stumble along the way, just like my uncle does when he’s on stage. He doesn’t waste time worrying; he just keeps going.
4. Share Your Ideas
   Some fear sharing their thoughts out loud, worried that someone will steal their thunder. In reality, speaking your intentions often opens doors. When I finally voiced my passion, I found a co-author and the support I needed to make my dream a reality.
5. Trust Your Instincts
   Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. If a passion ignites within you, chase it! Time is too precious for half-hearted efforts.
6. Offer Help
   What can you share with others? Whether it’s designing a room or creating meal plans, your experiences can help someone else. I discovered my passion for meal planning when friends sought my recipes.
7. Stop Seeking Approval
   I used to worry about what others thought of me, but then I realized their opinions don’t define my worth. The truth is, most people will cheer you on once you start.
8. Connect Emotionally
   For me, food evokes powerful memories. When I worked on recipes for our cookbook, I felt my grandmother’s spirit guiding me, reminding me that cooking is about sharing love and togetherness.
9. Forget Perfection
   Perfection is a myth. If my uncle waited to be perfect, he’d never take the stage. Remember, there are far more spectators than performers, and many are too afraid to step up.

So, what are you waiting for? What dreams have you sidelined out of fear or self-doubt? It’s time to let go of those inhibitions, call out your key, and start jamming!

If you’re interested in more on this topic, check out this blog post. Also, for anyone considering home insemination, Make a Mom has some fantastic resources. And for a comprehensive guide, Resolve offers valuable insights into family building.

Summary:

This article discusses the importance of pursuing personal passions, even amidst the challenges of parenting. It provides nine practical tips for overcoming self-doubt and embracing creativity, encouraging individuals to trust their instincts, accept mistakes, and seek support from others.