passion-to-purpose-to-professionI read a sign recently that simply asked, “Are you living your passion?”

It was a good question.

On Saturday I found myself talking to my six-year-old niece, Cin, about her passion.

“I love Maths,” she told me.

She said when she grows up she wants to be a teacher.

“I want to teach Maths and everything!” she said.

Her face glowed with excitement, happiness and determination as she told me. The idea of being a teacher filled her with passion and joy.

Cin then asked what I love to do.

“I love to write,” I said.

“Why?” she asked.

That’s when my face started to glow with excitement, happiness and determination.

“I write because it helps me express how I feel about life,” I said.

“I write because sometimes people read my stories and it makes them feel better.

“I write because it can help other people make the world a better place.”

To an observer, it may have seemed an unusual conversation to have with a six-year-old. But Cin’s passion matched my own.

By asking what I loved, she reminded how I love my writing and crystalised my reasons for doing it.

My passion for words, their ability to tell meaningful stories across multiple platforms, and their undeniable and unstoppable ability to help others, goes to the very core of who I am.

It is my passion, just as teaching “Maths and everything” is Cin’s passion.

I’m going to encourage Cin to pursue teaching and any other passions she may discover as she gets older. Passionate people change the world and so will she.

In the meantime, I’m grateful for her timely reminder of my own purpose in this world, to write, and I will keep on doing it.

Do you know what your passion is?

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