Identifying your Passions Objective: To help students identify and articulate those things that are extremely important to them on an emotional level.

Dictionary Definition of Passion Passion is a, “Powerful emotion; boundless enthusiasm; deep, overwhelming feeling; or avid interest.” A Clinical Psychologist Definition of Passion Passion is the , “Energy and enthusiasm wedded to a sense of purpose that gives life meaning and pleasure.”

Passion You might be passionate about music, sports, art, computer, horses, cars, gardening, politics, the beach, marching bands, penguins - - YOU NAME IT! The happiest people are often those who find a way to incorporate their passions into their career. These are the people you’ll hear say things like: “I can’t believe they pay me to do this!”

Passion Exercise Take a minute to think about the definition of, “Passion” and what it means personally to you. Ask your neighbor and come up with a definition between the two of you.

What Makes You Grin? Think about what makes you grin or have a moment which gives you a good feeling. Share with your neighbor.

What Makes Your Heart Race? Think about what makes you feel something that would make you heart beat fast. Share with everyone.

Is there something that makes you lose track of time? Think about what activities you perform that make you lose track of time. Share with everyone.

Words for Passion What words can you come up with for the word, “Passion”? Examples: Enthusiasm, bliss, euphoria, exaltation, something that makes you go, “aha” with excitement Any emotion, as hate, love, etc. Intense emotional excitement, as rage enthusiasm, lust. The object of any strong desire

What Drives Your Passion? Learning to recognize the objects, events or situations that make you feel like this is an important step towards self-knowledge. Read Textbook page 28.

Activity 29 in Workbook Turn to Activity 29. Complete the statements in your own words. If, during the next few weeks you have more words to add to the list, feel free to come back to this page and add them! You will always continue to find new passions throughout your life.