We as educators, family members, friends, and people, lead busy lives. Within the noise of our overbooked schedules, it is way too easy and natural to continue our path of mundane tasks that lead to stress and exhaustion. Some or most of these tasks may be a required part of our job. But, other habits or routines that we engage in can be adapted to bring out more joy in our lives. I feel that there is a lot more wiggle room to find joys, passions, and happiness, than what we often realize.
Therefore, above are questions I offer in my book that you can ask yourself to help you find and follow your joy while uncovering potentially hidden talents. It is important to keep in mind that we are multifaceted and have many more gifts to offer than what we usually realize.
When I answer the questions that I ask above, during moments of reflection, it helps me reevaluate my priorities, while realizing how I can find time on the edges to integrate more passion into what I already do.
For example, I find myself gravitating towards graphic design. Therefore, when our school is creating T-shirt ideas or other logos, I find myself wanting to jump in and create. I created this image below based on our new school mission statement. I find myself losing track of time when I get a chance to be creative, and to me, that is a sign of a passion forming.
In addition, I often get excited when I am able to find more ways to become more well-rounded as a person. What I mean by this, is that when I make time to dive into my athletic abilities, such as powerlifting, or I carve out time to read books or write on this blog, I notice that I naturally then become better as a wife, friend, and educator. Finding the pieces of my life that bring me joy and being able to integrate these passions within many areas of my life helps me bring out the best in myself for me and others.
What we daydream about, what brings us excitement, and what we are drawing ourselves closer to learn, even when it is difficult, are our brain’s way of boldly telling us to take a closer look within. Use these signs as a chance to learn more about who you are and who you will continue to be. The quote below brings this message to greater depth; Poet, Robert Louis Stevenson, said, “Find out where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.”
