Often we feel we have to "eat, pray, love" in a year-long pilgrimage to regain passion in our lives. But shifting our view of our daily dos can bring a level of passion to our lives we may not have realized.

1. Passionately. When we discover deeper meaning in seemingly regular experiences, we gain increased energy, happiness, and influence.

One year our spunky daughter was struggling in the classroom. After considerable thought, and with no offense to her current teacher, we felt to move her to a different environment and instructor. The new teacher was Mrs. Shipp, and talk about daily passion! Even though as a second-grade teacher she shared repetitive information and did mundane tasks, Mrs. Shipp sparked each child's desire to learn through her own unquenchable fire. She marinated those children in love by praising small efforts and frequently doing the "good job cheer," a little song to say you're great.

Whether you're a furnace man, sales clerk, or at-home mother, look for the meaning in what you do. Is it a person you're helping, a service you provide, or a product that makes life more efficient? In seeking for that meaning, insignificant as it may seem, you'll find the fulfillment. When I look at my children I try to think, I'm nurturing and developing a human being-a living, loving person. In those moments, the overflowing laundry room doesn't bother me so much.       

2. Presently. A few months ago I helped women create a Life Board (sometimes called a Vision Board). One of the tips I suggested was to choose a key word or phrase (or a few) to aptly describe their ideal life this coming year.

Taking my own advice, in a quiet moment I considered a word for my life. In the past, I've used joy, brave, centered, and others. This time, the word "free" came very clearly. As I thought what that looked like I recognized certain areas of my life that needed more "freeing" and ways that I could be more free others around me.

Ironically, after that experience I saw the word everywhere. Then a few weeks ago I spent time with good friends. We shopped at a big barn store chuck full of crafts and knick knacks. I happened to walk by a thematic Willow Tree statue with a placard descriptor that said "Free" (unfortunately referring to the statue's symbolic meaning, not the price...) The caption read, "FREE to sing, laugh, dance...create." Bingo-that shot straight to my soul. I now keep it on my desk so that everyday I'm reminded to stay in that frame of my mind for both myself and others.

3. Purposeful. Have you considered what you do, say, or experience that makes you feel purposeful? Try finding it in unpretentious ways such as simple service. Earlier this week on a slushy, sleety, gloomy day three different people out of the blue specifically said, "You have a good day today." That brightened my mood. Afterward at the store, I happened to see bright pink-yellow-orange mums, bushy and delightful. Paying the feeling forward I picked them up for neighbors. Though I hadn't done anything special, my mood not only lightened but the day felt purposeful on a new level.

That kind of simple service makes a difference. In preparation for Easter, this month you can join us for our 40 Days of Service where we post simple service given or received. Whatever our personal purpose, we can be kind. 

As we change our lens on what it means to live passionately, presently, and purposefully, we truly can find big fulfillment in daily ways.

Best, 

Connie