Stop Making Excuses: Start Prioritizing Your Passions
In the crazy whirlwind of to-do lists, ticking clocks, and endless distractions, it’s all too easy to shove our passions in the back seat! Whether it’s diving into a new creative adventure, hanging out with our favorite people, or just kicking back to relax many of us struggle to put these desires at the top of our priority list. It took my divorce for me to finally have a lightbulb moment: carving out time for what I love is totally acceptable! Whether you're a sprightly 16 or fabulous 40, I’m here to share some tidbits on how to make your passions a priority and sprinkle joy into your daily life!
Maybe you’re waiting for the perfect moment, for life to calm down, or for someone to tell you it’s ok before embracing your passions but here’s a little secret: You don’t need anyone’s permission but your own. You have the power to chase your dreams, to explore new horizons, and to create the life you’ve been dreaming about. The world is full of opportunities just waiting for you to seize them. Embrace the uncertainty, take that leap of faith, and trust in your abilities. Every tiny step you take towards your passion is a mini victory party, so celebrate those wins, no matter how small!
Dive into that dream project, enroll in that class you’ve been eyeing, chat up that mentor, or just take a breather to ponder what really lights up your soul. The road might get bumpy, but trust me, it's a ride worth taking! Have faith in your fabulous self and watch the universe throw open doors you never even knew existed.
Imagine the joy that comes from nurturing your passions. Picture yourself dedicating time each day to that hobby, craft, or cause that sets your heart on fire. What if you changed up your schedule and squeezed in just a few minutes a day for what you love?
Why You Struggle
Have you ever wondered why you don’t make your passions a priority? Here are a few sneaky little gremlins that keep us from carving out time for the things we love. Hopefully they give you some valuable insight into why you don’t prioritize your passions.
Time Constraints
We live in a busy world! If you’re anything like me, you're juggling more hats than you can count—partner, entrepreneur, housekeeper, artist, friend—you name it! With all these roles, it’s no wonder our passions sometimes end up gathering dust in the corner!
Guilt
Guilt from believing we should spend our time serving others instead of indulging ourselves. But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup! So, go ahead and sprinkle some me-time into your schedule. Fill that cup with your passions, and watch how it overflows, giving you the energy to support your loved ones.
Perfectionism
If you’re a fellow creative soul like me, you might find yourself tangled in a web of perfectionism, thinking your masterpiece needs to be flawless before it's even worth a shot. That pesky fear of not measuring up can totally rain on your creative parade, especially when you’re already feeling a pinch of guilt for stealing time for yourself.
Fear of Judgment
We tend to stress over what others think of our choices. What if people don’t like my decision? What if they don’t agree with my priorities? These worries can stop us in our tracks, but guess what? Life isn’t a popularity contest or about pleasing others. It’s about becoming the absolute best version of YOU!
Productivity = Success
Society loves associating productivity with success while personal passions often get tossed to the curb! Things like creating art, scribbling stories, or even indulging in a bit of self-care often get labeled as “frivolous” while the “practical” stuff hogs the spotlight. But guess what? True productivity isn’t just about cranking out results; it’s also about keeping balance in your life!
The first step to smashing through these barriers is to admit they’re here and totally part of the human experience! We all deal with them in one way or another!
Prioritize Your Passions
Now's the moment to unleash your inner creative and give yourself permission to shine! Here’s how:
Create time
Start small! It could be a creative ten minutes in the morning with your coffee or a delightful twenty minutes crafting before bed. Just set that timer and claim that slice of time for whatever brings you joy. These moments are invaluable. They not only nourish your soul but also spark a sense of accomplishment that can ripple through the rest of your day. Those tiny moments of creativity can blossom into a delightful habit, sparking unexpected joy all over your life. So, dive in—savor those joyful little moments and let your creative spirit shine!
Set boundaries
Boundaries go beyond protecting your time; they are essential for preserving your energy and creative essence. Make your “me” time a priority and let others know it’s non-negotiable. This dedicated time allows you to recharge, reflect, and dive into all the things that bring you joy. By setting those clear boundaries, you’re basically sending a memo to the universe about what you need—creating that sweet, sweet harmony between your work grind and personal bliss. Don’t forget, it’s okay to say no to extra tasks if they mess with your well-being. Putting your needs first isn’t selfish; it’s a necessary. When you're feeling fresh and fabulous, you’ll be better at supporting everyone else around you. Embrace the power of boundaries and watch as your creativity flourishes, your energy is replenished, and your life becomes more harmonious.
Embrace Support
Whether it’s a supportive friend, a community of kindred creatives, or online creative community like mine, having your own cheer squad with people who encourage and uplift you can make a world of difference. No need for solo flying on this creative journey—let’s thrive together! The exchange of ideas, friendly critiques, and shared experiences can spark inspiration and catapult us past our own limits. The sense of belonging and support doesn’t just boost our creativity; it enriches our lives with meaningful connections.
Be kind
It’s easy to spiral into the self-criticism vortex, especially when perfectionism pops in. Celebrate your efforts, no matter how small they are. Keep in mind, you're on this journey to nourish your soul to meet anyone else’s expectations. Surround yourself with positivity and be kind to yourself. Self-love is a powerful tool that can help you glide through life’s rollercoaster with grace. Embrace your fabulous self and remember, you’re a limited-edition masterpiece, perfectly enough just the way you are!
Good Things Happen
Giving yourself permission sounds simple enough but can be one of the hardest things to actually do. The idea of fully stepping into what matters to you, especially when it’s linked to creativity, often stirs up fears of rejection, failure, or being misunderstood. But oh, when you finally give yourself permission, something magical happens…you unlock a world of potential and self-discovery. Your creativity flows more freely without the heavy shackles of self-doubt, judgment and external expectations. Each brushstroke, word, or stitch becomes a declaration of your unique perspective and inner light.
Your self-worth grows.
Carving out time for your passions is an act of self-love. You ditch the need for applause from others and start giving yourself a standing ovation instead. As your confidence grows so does your sense of self-worth and empowerment! You begin to realize that the journey itself is just as rewarding as the destination.
You reclaim your time.
When you intentionally prioritize your passions, you reclaim your time from the endless demands of daily life. Whether you’re splashing color on a canvas, spinning tall tales or whipping up crafty creations, you’re shouting to the universe, “This is important, and I’m making room for it!” By dedicating time to what truly moves you, you’re not only enriching your own experience but also inspiring those around you to pursue their own passions.
You open new doors.
Even the tiniest act of self-care can be a gateway to new opportunity! Saying yes to your passions means opening yourself up to new possibilities. Whether it’s savoring a cozy cup of tea, diving into a new creative class, or just getting lost in a beloved hobby, these little delights can send shockwaves of positivity rippling through your life!
You have the power.
It all comes down to this: you are the only one who can live the creative, fulfilling life you want. No one else can prioritize your passions for you. You deserve the time, energy, and effort it takes to nurture your creativity- you are worth it! So, next time you catch yourself shoving that project, new workshop or creative self-care to the back burner or telling yourself “No, I deserve to prioritize me!” You’ve got every right to say yes! Don’t forget—this world is craving your unique voice, your wild ideas, and your one-of-a-kind perspective. By honoring your creative spark, you contribute to the vibrant tapestry of human expression. Your creative journey is not just a path to personal fulfillment; it’s a gift you’re giving to yourself and the entire universe!
Here’s a few things I give myself permission to do:
Spend money on my own self-care and creativity.
Invest my earnings to learn something new.
Treat myself to new art supplies.
Fill my studio with things I love.
Read art/craft books and magazines because they inspire me.
Enjoy a hot cup of tea every morning.
Take a day off for my mental and spiritual health when I need to.
Spend time in nature every day.
Take a retreat so I can be inspired by others.
Travel and explore new places as often as I can.
Wear beautiful things because they make me happy.
Create with friends just for fun.
Ask for help, I don’t know everything!
Your passions aren’t just a luxury; they’re the very essence of your spirit! They light a fire in your soul and have the ability to inspire others too. So, why wait? Dive in today and make the decision to chase what makes your heart happy. You totally deserve a life that resonates with your deepest desires innermost dreams. Embrace those passions—they're the secret to living your joy every day.
I’d love to know:
How will you prioritize your passions today?