Finding passion and joy in your life

One of the biggest passions in my life was dance, but somewhere along the line I told myself, that's not a stable enough career so forget your dreams of becoming a dancer. Here's the problem with doing that, yes we need to earn a decent living but does that mean that you necessarily have to give up something that you're passionate about and gives you joy? Why can't you do both?

Eventhough I had desperately missed and deep down wished that I had pursued dance as my career, I never told anyone. But I thought to myself, 'why can't I come back to my place of joy?' I'm older and it may take a little more bravery but why not?

This realization came to me when I first became a professional speaker at just the tender age of 39. I signed up for an adult tap class and thought 'ok this is it', so excited to get back! But that didn't quite hit the spot. So I kept searching and found the world of cool Hip-Hop dance and signed myself up. I thought, "Oh, I'm home", I mean, I'm a little crickety crackety compared to all of these younger dancers, but who cares. I'm proud to share with you that this past May, 2019, after working with my choreographer, I presented my first dance piece in front of 300 people at a keynote speaking event, probably not the most ideal way to do it but I decided to "go big or go home"! But you know what? It was the most invigorating, liberating, powerful experience.

This isn't about me and my dance anymore, this is about me sharing (very vulnerably and honestly) something that is so meaningful and powerful in my life. It's about coming back and embracing something that you love that's so passionate, that will fill you with joy and, frankly, may take some bravery to do, but trust me, on the other side of it you will realize that you have been waiting for it all along. We have a choice every single day to step into our greatness so why not challenge yourself to go back to doing something you love!

I encourage you to find what your passionate about and share your experience with us. It may inspire someone else to try something they love!

Thank you for reading and remember, you are part of your greatness magnified.

Sarah McVanel is a recognition expert, sharing her knowledge and client stories through professional speaking, coaching, training and her co-authored books “Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness?: Solution Focused Strategies for Satisfied Staff, High Performing Teams and Healthy Bottom Lines” and “The FROG? Effect Workbook: Tools and Strategies to Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness” as well as her recently published, “Flipside of Failing”. Visit her at Greatness Magnified or on eSpeakers. Want more greatness every week? Subscribe to our YouTube channel , our Daily Alexa Flash Briefing for Greatness Biz tips, or Daily Tips to Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness and our blog.