Passion

   Passion is a key ingredient that helps you more greatly enjoy the things you and infuses joy into tasks that feel more like an obligation.

   Eckart Tolle is a world-renowned inspirational writer with unique insights for self-discovery. He explains that whenever we are faced with a situation, any situation, we get to choose how we react. Tolle breaks it down to (1) acceptance, (2) enjoyment, and (3) enthusiasm.

• ACCEPTANCE is a focal point of passion, particularly when we’re presented with things we don’t enjoy.  Flat tires happen and I don’t know anyone who actually likes the experience.  The same goes for spoiled milk and getting a speeding ticket.  By training our minds to accept these things, we free ourselves from useless grief and aggravation.
• ENJOYMENT comes from things that inherently make us happy, like a good meal or attending an event we’ve been looking forward to.  However, we also have the capacity to increase our joy by engaging in fun little add-ons like whistling while we work – just like The Seven Dwarves.  Something as basic as adding music or changing your attitude can turn the mundane into something fun.
• ENTHUSIASM is like joy but on an elevated plane.  Think about when you were passionate about something like a sport or project.  You were intensely focused and inspired, giving it your all, yet it seemed so effortless as time flew by.  Think about enthusiasm as the nirvana of joy.

By working passion into our lives, we welcome a virtuous cycle poised to make us happier and healthier in a multitude of ways.