A friend gave me the "Passion" test today. It is based on the book, “The Passion Test,” by Janet and Chris Attwood. I think it is a terrific book and I highly recommend the exercise of taking the test.
(Let me write a brief caveat here—I am going to simplify and shorten the process, so either go to their website or read the book for the full information on this great concept).
I started by stating the top 10 things I have a passion for in my life. Then we go through a very interesting exercise to narrow that down to five items—the five primary passions in my life—what I want to focus on (the law of attraction!).
The first thing that I noticed did not make the top five was MONEY. That was somewhat refreshing. Then I noticed that GOOD HEALTH was also not in my top five passions.
So I had a bit of a discussion with my friend who gave me the test. Why didn't I even mention health? Money was in 3 of the top 10 initial things I mentioned (in one way or another), but health never even made the top 10.
Why? My first thought was that good health was an assumption I made. Of course I want good health. Then I wondered, is it denial? Am I in denial of what I'm going through now with all the treatments and the tests?
I still don't know why I didn't include it (and they recommend that you do the passion test again in several months, because things change, partly because you satisfy some goals). But I also know health pushed me towards my passion.
A few years ago, I had an idea that I would build up my communication business, and then when I was older, late 50s to 60s, I would do more traveling to teach seminars, etc. Cancer woke me up to—what am I waiting for? If I want to do seminars internationally, if that is my goal, why am I not doing it NOW?
So I started and I am living my passion, my goals. In May, less than six weeks after my surgery, I went to the West Bank to do advocacy training with women business owners. At the end of May, I went to Kenya to speak at an international women's business conference.
That's just one month.
What was my #1 passion? To train girls and women to let their voices be heard!
I know, because of my health struggles, I am there now. I know, because of my good health (in between surgeries anyway) I have the ability to travel the world and fulfill my passion.
Now, should good health actually be mentioned on my list?