Learn What You Love! By Jeanette LeBlanc, Ph.D. Every day I live I am more convinced that the waste of life lies in the love we have not given, the powers we have not used, the selfish prudence that will risk nothing and which, shirking pain, misses happiness as well. ~Mary Cholmondeley In your life, what are you truly passionate about? What can you look forward to that makes you feel alive with excitement or simply puts a smile on your face? If you are passionate about nothing in particular, then your life most likely feels like "nothing special." Without taking risks, you'll never know what is possible. As a BlueSuitMom, you are likely to be the type of woman to take the initiative, both for yourself and your family. Two years ago Karen Goodfellow left her corporate job of nineteen years, sold her house and possessions, and drove from Canada to pursue a new life in Colorado. Without formal art training, but with phenomenal natural talent and a desire to never stop learning, she is a living example of what can happen when you "learn what you love." "I am primarily self-taught. I did take a wonderful weekend Art Intensive when I moved here, and then read books, and experimented with different art forms such as painting, drawing, and mask-making." Since moving here, she has had gallery showings of her "spiritual art" and has created innovative Art courses at the Bemis Art School. She recently became a Life Coach certified by the Life on Purpose Institute and is coaching others on how to discover their unique life purpose and talents. "This is truly the most fulfilled I've ever been," she says with a radiant smile. What do you aspire to do? To change careers, learn a hobby, fulfill a fantasy? Maybe you want to earn your college degree or to take a course that would capture your interest, and help you grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, perhaps even spiritually? Learning is now so much more than it was in your old school days, sitting passively scrunched into a wooden desk. These days, you can teach yourself, take a course on-line, in-person; hire a one-on-one tutor, and more. After years of working for "someone else," Julie Sveum almost gave up on her dreams. But a few months ago, she decided it was time to put her life energy into her own aspirations. A devoted wife, mother, and a consummate professional, she aspired to one day become her own boss. A naturally intuitive and analytical woman, intrigued with the legal system, she opened her own Private Investigation Business on July 25, her 31st birthday. She studied numerous books, met with other P.I.'s to discuss the state of the industry, took a preliminary test and signed up for a course. She advises "Learn all that you can and always have your dreams. Never give up on you!" Jayne Ash had a full life parenting a rambunctious nine-year-old son. Yet something was missing. She started connecting with her own creativity through extensive spiritual soul-searching. She wanted to be a singer since she was a little girl but assumed for years that it was too late to try now as an adult. However, this summer she couldn't resist the desire to sing any longer. She picked up a home-study course on singing at the library and aspires to "be able to carry a tune in the car soon" and possibly one day on stage. Whether you are able to do what you love for a living, or want to pursue a passion in your leisure time, set goals and time frames for accomplishing them. Planning will make the difference, whether they can be realized today, this month, this year, or even this decade. Use the following list to brainstorm various possibilities: Brainstorming Questions What do you do currently do for fun? (If nothing, then you know you need to make a change.) Who are the people you admire? (And notice what they do) What were your proudest accomplishments at any age? (Your "shining" moments) What did you love as a child? What do you love now? What have you always wanted to try? Reviewing your answers above, make a top ten list and post it where you can see it every day. Take Action! Make some phone calls, sign up for a class, or as the famous Nike slogan goes, Just Do It! Increase your enjoyment of your own life and discover what you love, then go out and do it! Learn it, live it, love it! Your life may never be the same! How to Get Started! Take a course (Check local colleges, or Continuing Education Divisions, as well as local learning centers) Read books about the subject (Check your local library and bookstores) Interview people who are experts or enthusiasts Explore the Internet (A world of information) Check the Yellow Pages, local calendars of events and publications for ideas. Discover what you Love! (And what you don't) Wouldn't you Love to…? Express your Inner Artist Learn to salsa, waltz, and swing Audition for a play or musical Write a poem or story Climb a Mountain Learn to Skydive Learn to play an instrument Volunteer to help the less fortunate Take up a New Sport Learn outdoor survival skills Start your own business (research it first!) Become a gourmet cook Also see: • The art of making time for yourself • The power of writing • Dare to dream -- making dreams a reality Jeanette LeBlanc decided to fulfill her childhood dream of writing last fall and is now writing for local, regional, and national publications. She is currently working on a book entitled The Creative Mother. Dr. LeBlanc plans to offer holistic retreats and workshops for women later this year in partnership with other facilitators. She may be reached at DrJLeBlanc@aol.com.