Passions Make a Difference and Change Lives

There are all types of passions that can fuel our souls and give us a boost. But when I talk to people living passionately and enthusiastically for life, I often find that these people are most inspired when their passions help others or make a difference in someone’s life. When your passion is about making connections and building up confidences in others, you can see some amazing results both personally and professionally. Just look at what happened when Professional Hair Designer Scott Musgrave embraced his passion for curly hair.

Opening Your Eyes to Your Passions & Sharing With Others Can Boost Business

Scott was at a point where he had some regular, reliable customers, but he wasn’t growing his business. “I am a Christian and I was in my journal/prayer time and heard in my heart to remain a hairstylist. I thought of going to a Tech School and change jobs. Then I heard in my heart a question that changed my life, ‘What do you love to do?’ I said, ‘You know, I love working on Curly Hair’, said Scott, “then that set me on a journey to tell the world.”  He started a business Facebook page and began showing before and after pictures of different curl styles and waves and within two months, his phone began ringing and has been non-stop ever since. “I had a goal of getting 100 new people for the year 2012, and I got that many by the end of May, it will probably double or close to triple that!”   

Scott Musgrave Does a Variety of Curl Styles for Every Hair Type or Ethnicity

Even Straight Styles, too!

 

Aligning Your Passion With Others Creates Deeper Connections

Scott says that he realized his passion for curly hair would help create new connections, especially since he also has curly hair. “When another person of curl sees my hair, we have an instant bond. My heart really reaches out to help women with frizzy hair to have beautiful curls and to better understand their hair. Instead of not knowing how to deal with it, they will fall in love with their God-given curls and accept and embrace them to wear them as is more often.”

Making a Difference Means A Lot

Scott is making a difference in women’s lives. “There were some women with tears in their eyes, thankful for having hope that they can love their hair for the first time in their life. I get emails from women all over who are getting genuine compliments on their hair for the first time ever! They thank me. There are hardly any stylists around helping women with naturally curly hair, so I want to be one who specializes in working with curls and waves.” Scott continues to read more books, improve his techniques, and learns what women with curls want, need and desire by listening to them. “I designed a specific service only for them. And it works.”  Scott has developed an acronym the way he helps all of his customers. He calls it the CURLYS Method, with stands for Creative Understanding, Relational, Listening, being Yourself with a Sense of humor.

This is a connection that one of Scott’s newer customers appreciates. “You can’t imagine the effect of frizz on self esteem until you’ve lived with wild, unruly curls!” said Tara Wiselove, “Sometimes, my esteem was so low that I wanted to hide my hair. For years, I kept it slicked down with some oil or cream, containing it in a bun or under a sash.”

Scott is also using his passions to create deeper connections and pathways to healing, for some. “I realized that some women have in their hearts a message of some sort that they are living with about their unruly hair that keeps them in hiding,” he said, “and when that message is busted up and is revealed that it is a lie and no longer true, a woman comes alive in new ways. That is very exciting and something I see everyday. While I do not heal those wounds myself, I am a part of a process of a woman experiencing a new message. Many say that what I am giving them is hope and making people happy and this goes deep into my heart for helping people with curls experience something so deep that it can be apart of those deep wounds experiencing relief or no longer dictating a wounded message.”

I am so grateful Scott Musgrave brought my curls to life! – Tara Wiselove

Following Your Passion Can Be Life-Changing

Scott says embracing his passion was the best thing he could ever do. “Following my passion has changed my life BIG TIME! I am fueled by my vision to help women with frizz to learn about their hair and to receive a service and shape for their curls that can change their life, and it really does. I love helping people and over the years of being in a variety of ministries I have learned a lot about how to work with people and to be a guide on someones Life-Path. I have taken all I have learned and put it into what I least expected, being a Hair Stylist.”

But Scott’s passion for naturally curly hair has also had an important impact on his customers’ lives. “I was empowered after my first visit with Scott,” said Tara Wiselove, “I was armed with knowledge. I was in control of my hair. I never thought a trip to the hair salon would be life-changing, but this experience has proven it a reality.”

Passions for Business Can Also Mean Changes in Personal Lives

Scott has also learned that by embracing his passions in his business life, he’s strengthened his personal life, too. “I have learned more about following my heart and learned to listen to what God wants me to gain from new experiences that I was running and hiding from or avoiding. There really is not a map when you follow your passion and vision. So, I am taking more risks and from past experiences I have some confidence that I never had before. And this confidence has helped me to have some maturity in discerning what to follow and what to pursue.”

Advice to Others About Embracing Your Passion?

Scott has some advice to others about following their passions. “Learn to listen to the inner voice that wants to take you into experiences that you have no idea how to do,” Scott says, “Seek counsel and with care take steps that will build confidence and maturity. Realize that we can be happy, joy-filled passionate people as we do the hard work required to fulfill a vision-filled life. It really doesn’t feel like work most of the time, but more like what we are designed to be doing, so enjoy the time doing the hard work. Time flies by when your in your passion. You will realize that you will have way more than you heart desired and wanted. This gives you a sense of fulfillment that you are totally unaware of– you are living by design.”

http://www.scottmusgravehair.com/     http://www.facebook.com/scottmusgravehair

Use the Wisdom of Dr. Seuss to Find Your Passion and Move Mountains!

Ever since I learned to read I’ve always loved Dr. Seuss. As an adult, I’ve enjoyed reading the tongue-twisting tales to my nephew and my niece because Dr. Seuss’ way with words always brings a smile to their faces. Now, as I consider how to help others LEAPforLife, I realize that Dr. Seuss’ wisdom can help all of us find our passions. This is especially true if you’re facing a life-changing event, like being laid off from your job; considering whether to start a new business; preparing to move away from friends and family; wanting to inspire others to greatness or looking for a new challenge.

Consider this gem:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go

We can all make a difference when we remember this Seussism:

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not,” Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

When you question your self-worth, Dr. Seuss offers these words of encouragement:

“Don’t give up. I believe in you all. A person’s a person no matter how small.” Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who

It’s important to remember that finding your passion can be a fun!

“Look at me! Look at me! Look at me NOW! It is fun to have fun, but you have to know how.” Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat

Remember, your passions are who you are, Dr. Seuss joyously reminds us about our individuality this way:

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday, to You!

When you engage your passion, Dr. Seuss knows you’ll find success:

“And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.) Kid, you’ll move mountains.” Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Nothing sums up my reason for encouraging people to LEAPforLife better than this often quoted Dr. Seuss philosophy:

“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regrets. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” Dr. Seuss

A Zest for Life Driven By a Fatal Disease Launches Passion, Documentary & Search For A Cure

If you knew that you had a 50% chance of inheriting a fatal disease, would you live your life worrying about it? A high school senior, named Kristen Powers has been living with this knowledge for half of her young life. At 18, she’s finally old enough to find out if she has inherited a gene that will make her lose the ability to walk, talk, think, reason and prematurely die like her mother did. Huntington’s Disease robbed Powers’ mother of a full life. In January 2011, Nicola Powers lost her eight-year struggle with the debilitating disease. She was 46.

Kristen Powers and her mum, Nicola Powers in 2001

In May 2012, Powers will undergo a series of tests to find out if she is also facing the same fate. It’s hard to imagine what we’d do if we were put into the same situation as this bright young woman, but Powers is a focused, strong and passionate individual who is taking on Huntington’s Disease with a goal to create a national dialog that will ultimately lead researchers to find a cure for it and possibly other neurological diseases. She’s launching a fundraiser to raise $100,000 to produce and promote the documentary Twitch, which chronicles her journey through testing for HD, the perils of the disease, and the strain the disease puts on families and friends of its victims. “I believe the documentary can effectively educate people about the disease while simultaneously capturing the intense emotional hardships of those of us handed our medical fates a little earlier than most,” said Powers.

The campaign is spotlighted at IndieGoGo.com, an international crowd-funding platform. On January 26, 2012 she is hosting an online event called “$5K in a Day” to mobilize friends, family and supporters to fund the first phase of the documentary. Twitch Documentary Fundraiser

Powers’ mum’s struggle and the knowledge that she may test positive for Huntington’s Disease has created a sense of urgency but has also given her a zest for living her life the fullest and to make a difference. “It’s made me more aware of issues and taught me that I don’t have to wait to create change. The greatest thing about my mom’s disease is that I’ve learned that I can do anything regardless of how old I am,” said Powers. She’s already founded The Green Tigers, a student environmental group, which led to Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill, NC to become a Champion of Change and earned Powers a trip to the White House and recognitions from Parade and Family Circle Magazine. Some of her changes at her high school included motion detectors on lights and a community garden.

Kristen Powers is definitely using her passions to make a difference. Way to go, Kristen and Good luck with the fundraiser and the documentary!

How to Find Your Passion– What Really Drives You??

When I started talking to my friends about my new blog, I was surprised at how many people said to me, “I have no idea what my passion is,” or “I wouldn’t know where to start to figure out how to find my passion.”

That got me to thinking deeply about how I could help people identify their passions.
Passion isn’t just something that happens overnight. Generally, it develops over time. Here are some ways to start thinking about what drives you.

What makes you smile? If you are having trouble finding out what your passion is, take some time to think about what puts a smile on your face. Chances are there is something in there that you are passion about—working with kids, antique shopping, painting, watching a dog chase its tail, doing something with your hands, digging in the dirt. Think about ways to put more smiles on your face and you just might find a new passion.

What would you do for free? Money makes the world go ‘round, but often we do things for free because we want to; because it’s the right thing to do; because you couldn’t imagine taking money for something that you love doing. That’s a passion you didn’t know you have.

Can you make money on your passion? What if you could turn that hobby or side activity into a money-making opportunity? If you love it so much, you might actually be able to sell a product or service or idea. Now is the time to think about what you love doing, seeing, making or visiting—maybe that’s your passion. Wouldn’t that be something if you went looking for a passion and wound up with a career?

Do you have a favorite cause? Do you believe in something so much that you donate money, time or resources to it? If so, you might just have a secret passion hidden inside you waiting to erupt—perhaps it’s time to throw the doors open to your closed mind and see if there’s another way to help further the cause.

Is there an activity where you excel? We all have things we’re good at, but we don’t always pursue those things for one reason or another. Sometimes it’s hard to identify our own best skills or traits. Whether it’s pride or whether we just don’t want to brag on ourselves, we may not be pursuing our passions because we really don’t know where we excel. If that’s the case, ask a good friend, one that you value their opinion and one that isn’t afraid to tell you the truth, what’s your best skill, your most valued personality trait, the one thing that is most admired about you. I saw on a friend’s Facebook post— “What’s my one thing?” and I was amazed at how honest the friends were and how similar the posts were about that person. Finding where you excel could help you discover a new passion to pursue.

What did you dream of doing? When you were a kid what did you dream of doing with your life? Are you pursuing that dream? If not, maybe it’s time to think about taking a travel back in time and reconnecting with that childlike dream. Perhaps there’s a new way to make your dreams come true. You might have dreamed of being a superhero you loved in those old comic books. Well, you’re no Superman or Wonder Woman, but maybe there’s some way to turn those dusty old comics in your attic into cold cash. Maybe you can make dreams come true for needy kids, by fulfilling some of their wishes and then you’d be a real life superhero! Talk about putting a smile your face!

Do you like to talk about it? If you like something so much that’s all you talk about, then maybe that’s your passion. What do you read about all the time? What do you watch on TV all the time? What do you spend hours researching online? Can you turn that idle time into passion that others might enjoy, too? Perhaps you can teach people about what you love. Kindred spirits often spark creative outlets and where there’s creativity, there’s passion and sometimes even money to make!

How do I know I’ll like it? Finding our passions is about living new experiences. You can’t know if you’ll like it unless you experience it. It’s ok to be passionate about more than one thing. Sometimes several things you enjoy will evolve into a new passion that you didn’t know existed. Maybe you like sports and you like antiques—perhaps there’s a new passion you can enjoy involving sports memorabilia. Perhaps you loved riding a bike when you were a kid, but as an adult you’ve got no interest in hoping on two wheels, but you might like collecting different bikes or fixing up old ones for other people to ride. Give yourself permission to try new things; you may just uncover some hidden talents and new found passions.

Remember, you don’t have to have just one passion. Don’t give up if you don’t identify your passion right away. Passions have a funny way of finding us when we least expect it. You just have to be open to letting new opportunities come your way. Just telling yourself you’re ready to find your passion is the first step in a journey to living enthusiastically and passionately for life!

Love, Connections, Passions and the Ocean: Lessons for All

I have always been drawn to the ocean. To me, it is breathtaking, magical, mysterious, ever-changing, and awe-inspiring. I have seen the ocean be as calm as if the earth stood still. I’ve also been nearly consumed by it during a ferocious hurricane. I’ve frolicked in the ocean with my nephew, Garrett, whose squeals of delight filled the air with each churning wave while his small hand held mine in a vice-like grip. I’ve witnessed many GOD moments at the ocean, like the time my parents and I strolled along the beach when a dolphin leaped completely out of the depths just a few feet off shore us. WOW! Each time I go to the ocean, I am reminded how small I am in this universe and how much I cherish every experience I have with the ocean.

Recently, I met someone, whose passion for the ocean coils up and emanates outward in a beautiful display that educates and inspires.

Bruckner Chase is living his passion every day. “If one believes in the neuroscience of the experience it may be that the brain’s emotional centers seem to light up in the mere presence of open water or the ocean,” said Chase, “I would suggest that my experiences in the ocean create an addictive mix of endorphins, emotions and connection not only to the waves, water and wildlife, but also to family, friends and community.”

Bruckner Chase is an adventure swimmer and ocean enthusiast who combines everything he loves into a role he’s been perfecting as an endurance swimmer since the early 1980’s. “I have a deeply personal connection to the ocean that continues to have a profound, positive effect on my life,” said Chase. “When I was in Monterey Bay launching the BLUE Ocean Film Festival with a swim across Monterey Bay we were also celebrating what would have been Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s 100th birthday. There was a quote that I ran across that is now on the back of my business card, ‘When one man, for whatever reason, has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself’.”
Bruckner Chase's Passion for the Oceans

Chase uses his experiences to positively impact how we feel, think and act towards the oceans. “I want to impact how others feel about the ocean because I want to protect what I love,” Chase said, “More importantly I believe there is power in discovering and embracing whatever elicits that level of intrinsic motivation and passion for something greater than self.”

Chase has experienced things that most of us would never fathom but offers landlubbers some life lessons. “I paid attention to and remembered each experience. In hindsight I have never had a bad experience in the ocean. I watched my perspective evolve from fear to respect to love. Swimming through jellyfish for hours on end hurt, but learning to find serenity in chaos is not a bad skill to bring to life on land.”

One of the most surprising things that has happened to Chase since following his passion for the oceans, is being given the title Honorary Chief Matae Uila o le Sami, by the High Talking Chief of Aunu’u in American Samoa. “Not really something my guidance counselor mentioned as a possibility when I was growing up back in Memphis, Tennessee.” Chase is developing an open-water safety and ocean conservation program for the youth of America’s most remote territory.

In regard to finding your passion, Chase offers this advice: “Don’t stop looking and listening, but never be afraid to go with what you feel.” Additionally, he lives by the words of philosopher and civil rights leader, Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Here is Bruckner Chase’s Thank You to the ocean.
Bruckner Chase's Thank you to the Ocean

Thank you, Bruckner for sharing your passion with the world!

Ime Mesa– I’m in! Join the Dignity Revolution and be a fan of Special Olympics

I was hesitant about starting a blog for many reasons. I wondered if anyone would care to read what I wrote. I wondered if I had the time to devote to the task. I wondered if I could make a difference. I decided that I should take the chance and start a blog devoted to encouraging people to live passionately. I want to show people how passionate living can change the world and make a difference in people’s lives. I plan to promote people who are doing just that. I discovered my passion for Special Olympics in 1991 when I was working overnights at a Minneapolis-St. Paul TV station. I decided to volunteer for the Special Olympics World Summer Games. I had no idea how that simple decision would change my life. I was one of thousands of volunteers helping six thousand athletes from 100 countries experience the world’s largest sporting event of the year. I was a journalist, so of course, I wanted to use that experience to help the media cover the Games. I went to my training sessions, eager to serve but not sure what exactly I’d be doing. I got a crash course on Special Olympics, a nifty uniform consisting of a couple of t-shirts, a ball cap and the always attractive “fanny” pack. After training I went off to welcome the media to the Roller Skating venue. Up to that point, my fondest memory of my roller skating experience was the moonlight “couples” skate in junior high when I held onto dear life to whatever boy who was willing to skate with me, or rather willing to keep me from falling flat on my backside. I had no idea that people competed in Roller Skating. Boy, was I in for a life lesson! The Special Olympics athletes taught me that yes, they compete and they’re really good. These athletes are definitely the real deal. I was and still am amazed, thrilled, and in awe of the passion that each athlete displays; the dedication to training they exhibit; the commitment and support their families show; and just how much fun I have watching them. Their sportsmanship is unparalleled in any other sporting event. They cheer on their competitors. They encourage the best of everyone. They demand and command respect. But most of all, their joys, triumphs, and smiles are so infectious. I dare anyone to visit a Special Olympics event and not walk away moved, impressed or proud of the athletes’ accomplishments. My commitment to Special Olympics is real. For 20 years, I have found a way to incorporate it into my life. I took a temporary full-time position with the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games. That nine-month position was the most ambitious one I’ve ever tackled, but it is without a doubt the most rewarding job I’ve ever experienced. Most recently, I have been a volunteer and a member of the Media SOS team—a group of passionate people who provide media expertise and consultation to Special Olympics staff, volunteers, athletes, media, sponsors, and spectators at World Games events. We facilitate international media coverage, crisis communications, celebrity interaction, sponsorship support and enhancement in an effort to promote, educate and create awareness of acceptance, inclusion and tolerance through Special Olympics. Over the years, this role has enabled me to travel to places I’d never otherwise see; to meet people I would never otherwise meet; and most importantly share a small part of myself with the magnificent athletes, parents, staff, and volunteers of Special Olympics. I am humbled, honored and blessed for the opportunity. This summer, we helped launch the Dignity Revolution at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. I learned to say “Ime Mesa”—I’m in. We asked the world to join the Special Olympics movement and each Greek volunteer overwhelming said “Ime Mesa.” One Special Olympics fan wrote this encouraging poem:
When you meet an athlete, you’re in
When you meet a volunteer, you’re in
When you meet a coach, you’re in
When you meet a family member, you’re in
When you meet an official, you’re in
When you see a competition, you’re in
When you watch a medal ceremony, you’re in
When you speak to a sponsor, you’re in
When you want to celebrate human achievement, you’re in
I’m in………..are you?
If you’re interested in igniting your passion, you can’t go wrong with Special Olympics. For more information, visit http://www.specialolympics.org

If you know someone who is living enthusiasitcally and passionately for life, please let me know. I will be featuring various people in upcoming blogs. jhammergren@earthlink.net