<b>By Dr. Anthony Mattis</b>

If the headline made you think, “Passion, what passion? I’m just surviving here. How can I possibly think about finding time or money for following my passion?,” then read on.

[caption id="attachment_15773" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Anthony.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-15773" alt="Dr. Anthony Mattis" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Anthony-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Dr. Anthony Mattis[/caption]

If you are holding on to the limiting belief that passion is something you have to follow or find time for, then hold on for some great news — you already have it! You were born with it and it is inside you, just waiting to be revealed and activated. The definition of passion is simply “something that produces a strong enthusiasm or interest in you.”

So, what does that mean for you?

As a holistic chiropractor and Passion Test facilitator, I regularly read articles about the increase in pharmaceutical sales to treat anxiety and depression.  The Harris Interactive Study reports that 80 percent of working Americans are unfulfilled and dissatisfied with their jobs. No wonder more people are on antidepressants.

Unfortunately, we are taught from a young age to get a good job with benefits. Many times our parents, teachers and other authorities in our life will unknowingly crush our dreams or dismiss the things we are most passionate about. The result is we grow up and forget about or are totally unaware of our gifts, talents and passions. Your time has come to remember and re-discover. Are you ready?

Do you ever feel like you were put on this earth for a reason? Are you living that purpose?  Do you feel like your gifts and talents are not being recognized, valued, and utilized at your current job/life situation? What would your relationships at home and work look like if you were passionate about your life?

Some of you may not have a clue of what brings you passion or even know where to start discovering it. Take out a piece of paper and just begin writing down your responses to the following questions. Respond from the heart rather than the head and have some fun with it.

Begin by asking yourself what has the most meaning in your life or what brings you the greatest joy.  It could be anything from eating a spinach salad, to spending time with your children, to drifting down the river holding a fishing pole.

Next, visualize the kind of environment or people you would choose to surround yourself with. What would you like your financial status, relationships, or health to feel like? Where would you like to travel? Just create your dream list without too much thought or judgments about why you can’t, shouldn’t, etc.

Next, begin to use your imagination to create a vision of what your life would look like or feel like if you were waking up every day on purpose instead of in obligation. How do you think your family and friends would be affected if you were choosing to live your life full of passion? There is a very good chance that if you become the example, they will naturally follow.

So, doesn’t it make more sense to wake up every day to something you are passionate about or something that creates joy? Of course it does! People who are the happiest and most successful over the long haul are living their top five passions. They have discovered or rediscovered those gifts and talents and put them to work in their daily life.

When you are clear about your passions, and only to the extent you are clear, will your life begin to transform into your purpose? Whenever you are faced with a choice, decision, or opportunity, always choose in favor of your passions!

<i>To learn more about the Passion Test and Dr. Anthony Mattis’ classes, please visit www.ChoosingtheBestLife.com.</i>
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