Adam RicoWhen we search for our passions we often look in the wrong places.
We first look for where we find the most pleasure.
While that can be part of the process, the real solution often lies in the place we least expect it.
Our wounds.
How I Was Wounded
When I was working as a counselor to kids and their families I ultimately quit because I could no longer handle the emotional pain.
The kids I worked with had few positive options in their environment and often their little lives were heartbreaking.
In the process of trying to help these kids and families I became what Jeff Goins refers to as being wrecked (affiliate link).
I had truly seen and experienced the brokenness of humanity and there was no going back.
I felt helpless to be able to make an impact.
So I quit, emotionally drained, confused, and unclear about where I was going.
Then I stumbled my way onto a completely different career path.
What I didn’t know at the time is that I had planted the seed for my passion.
Through that process I learned our deepest wounds can often be the catalyst for doing something extraordinary.
So the first place to look for your passion is to look into your pain.
Where have you been hurt?
What cut you so deeply you’re almost embarrassed to think about it?
That’s where to start.
Although pain is something we like to avoid, it is often part of the process to discover what it is you really care about and want to focus your life’s work.
What’s Your Wound?
I know you’ve been wounded.
How do I know?
Because you’re human.
We’re all wounded at one point or another.
Some deal with horrifically unfair wounds imposed on us by others.
Others of us deal with self-imposed wounds.
Regardless we all experience the wounding process in one form or another.
How Do You Use Your Wound To Find Your Passion?
The first step is always honesty and truth.
If you’ve written your life story, go back and look for the lies.
Look for the parts you wanted to polish up and get ready for public consumption.
This time write just for you.
True pivot points in our lives typically involve some level of pain or wounding.
The second step is to find a way to serve others dealing with the same wound.
This can be a little tricky because before you can serve others fully you must be healed.
You’ll still have the scar but it will no longer hurt.
You can’t show someone else the way out unless you have gone through the door as well.
When you know your pain you know your passion.
Working in your passion is an amazingly fulfilling and meaningful way to live your life.
Yet it comes at the price of delving into your deepest wounds and pushing through the pain.
If you’re willing to suffer for a time you can experience the joy awaiting you on the other side.
I hope to see you there.