The Door-Opening Power of Reconnecting With What You Love(d)
[Editor's Note: As 2010 closes, I want to sincerely thank each and every person out there who has become part of The New Pursuit. I am so grateful to all those who share comments, subscribe, re-tweet and all that goodness that helps us all move towards living more deeply each and every day. I'm excited about what 2011 will bring and hope you will be a part of it t00.]
Go with me for a moment.
Sit back. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. Now answer this question:
When you were growing up, what was the ONE thing that you loved doing above all else? That favorite of favorites that you bent over backwards to do? That single thing that rocked your world and made you feel absolutely alive (and kicking)?
For me, it was music. Playing, writing, listening; jamming in the basement with my brother and friends; playing gigs throughout high school and college; recording demo tapes on simple little 4-track machines; dreaming about rocking out with 50,000 of my closest friends at stadiums throughout the world.
You get the picture.
But alas, I grew up and became an adult. I lost touch with the magic of those moments as more and more of those ‘adult responsibilities’ came onto my plate. The hours I spent practicing and playing guitar (and all those other instruments) gave way to other things. In retrospect, that fact is neither good nor bad. It just is. Interests and passions come and go. And can come back again.
Rekindling an Old Flame
But over the past few weeks that long-dimmed spark has been firing again. Oddly enough, it all came about by way of Christmas Carols.
Our two oldest kids have fallen in love with singing carols. One of their favorites is John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (War is Over). In an attempt to foster this musical moment, I dusted off an acoustic guitar and opened up the keyboard cover on the piano to see if we could learn to play it together.
And we did. Having a boat-load of fun in the process too. Look out Partridge Family. Jump back Jackson 5. Duck for cover Jonas Brothers. The Gerlach Three are bursting out on this scene. OK, maybe not (for now…).
What’s Your Thing?
We all have that thing that is buried deep within us looking to come out and play again. That long-forgotten favorite that could blaze a new trail for living deeply each day.
For me, it is music. But for you it could be a million different things: board games, backpacking, water skiing, writing, painting, dominating at dodgeball, cooking, learning languages, traveling, kayaking, singing, hanging out with friends, planting flowers, making mud pies, swimming in the ocean, star gazing, sewing, skating, doing gymnastics, building things, acting, dancing…
As we close out 2010 and head into the New Year, now is the time to reconnect with that thing. Go ahead, do it. Tap into that wellspring you thought was dry. Dig in deep with it and let it move you again.
Who knows? Reconnecting with this passion could open up all kinds of doors for you: stress relief, healthy body/mind, meeting new people, transforming your ‘career’, creating your own Smalltopia. As Robyn over at Minimalist Knitter writes about in this amazing post, Are You Selling Passion, Selling E-Books or Selling Yourself Short?:
“But what I love more are folks that are sharing their passion with others online, and have figured out a way to earn a living while doing so. Women and men who do what they love, and the money follows – not that it drops out of the sky to them, but these folks have figured out how to monetize their passion in a way that doesn’t suck their souls dry.”
Looking Ahead
I try not to get too caught up in the New Year’s goal setting craze, preferring instead to set out with some guideposts for the year and let things develop organically from there. Perhaps we’ll save that for another post. But one thing is for sure: I’m keeping the guitar fired up, dusting off that old notebook of lyrics and seeing what I might be able to do to record a few tunes in 2011. Who knows? Maybe that long-forgotten album might finally get produced.
How about you? What’s that one thing you loved to do? How might dusting it off let you live more deeply each day? If you’ve reconnected with it recently, what’s been the result?
Best wishes for the New Year. Be well. Now and always.
Bill
If you enjoyed this post, perhaps you may also like these:
- The Push and Pull of Life’s Beautiful Bliss
- Rejuvenation: 5 Simple Steps for Feeling Lighter This Spring
- 101 Ways to Escape the TV Trap and Enjoy Life More
[image: kaitlyn199]
I love this. I believe we all have the power to live off what we love to do — if you want to that is. It just takes a bit more thought and creativity than operating a register.
I honestly don’t remember anything I particularly loved to do as a child. But I do remember my love for animals. One that I still have. This post definitely got me thinking about this. I love taking care of them…the thing is I don’t want to be a veterinarian. I have zero desire to go to school for it so I’m pondering other ways I can care for animals and make a living…and be location independent? Haha! Sounds like a challenge!
When I was a kid I would sneak away with a book! Fast forward 40 years and it’s still one of my most favourite things to do
This post has me feeling grateful that reading is still such an important aspect of my life. It’s the one thing that’s sustained me, through good times and no-so-good times. Starting my blog this year has had me connect with the flip side, writing, and that has probably been the greatest outcome of 2010.
Hello Bill. Thankyou for this great post. I loved being with Nature when I was a kid and next time I go down to the little creek back of our townhome complex I’ll think back to those happy childhood days and be thankful for the gift of life that I know now. I send you warm greetings and best wishes for a very happy Christmas.
Bill,
I’m so happy you have rediscovered the musical part of yourself. I love how you are lighting up your family life with musical joy. I’m looking back too for what I have lost. It’s emerging slowly. Wishing you and your family a fulfilling and musical holiday and new year.
Thanks so much, Sandra. This is nothing new, but the power of music to engage, inspire and bring together people is undeniable. We recently watched a PBS special looking at the science of how music touches humans from both a social and physical perspective. It was amazing.
All the best to you and yours this holiday. Your writing has been absolutely wonderful and inspiring to me all year long. And I am grateful for our friendship. Be well!
Hi Christopher,
Children and Nature are a match made in heaven. Like homemade chocolate chip cookies and a cold glass of milk.
I too have wonderful memories of spending hours outside in the woods playing and exploring. It was magical. And every time I head back out there (backpacking or just a simple stroll), I’m reminded of those times. Watching my kids discover that for themselves has — and will continue to be — beautiful.
All the best to you and yours this Season. Getting to know you through The Happy Seeker has been a highlight. (And I haven’t forgotten about that interview! I’m taking some time off and will be able to finally circle back on that!)
Be well!
Sandi,
Thanks for sharing. Books, books, books. I am so grateful to my parents for surrounding me with books as a kid too. They are truly door-openers. And you’re right, in good times and bad, books have that same power.
Watching our two oldest kids (almost 8 and 6) learn to read has been one of the greatest highlights of my yet early parenting career. Then to see our oldest dive into “chapter books” (as he likes to call them) with such intensity and actually WANT to read has been awesome.
Here’s wishing you and yours and peaceful Season. I’m thankful for getting to know you this year through Deva Coach and the heartfelt comments here at TNP. Be well. All the best in 2011!
Thanks, Vanessa. Can you imagine how different the world might be if we all did what we loved to do? You’re absolutely right — it does take a bit more creativity and effort (I know that for sure!), but in the end, the benefits certainly outweigh that.
Animals count! And that’s quite the challenge you’re setting out for yourself. Is there a writing/topical niche with animals that has yet to be explored (and claimed!)? Is there an art angle? Could there be a digital product out their for animal owners that has yet to be created (by you)? There got to be an iPhone app just waiting to be written (and remember, you don’t have to be the one to program it)!
Feel free to email me if you want to bounce ideas. Happy to help! All the best for you and yours this Season and New Year. I’m so glad we’ve connected this year. Kindred spirits indeed! Be well!