Passion and curiosity

In our retirement years, or as we move toward them, we're often told that this is a wonderful opportunity to follow our passions. And it is!

But what if you don't have any passions, or don't think you do?

While coaching, I have found numerous people who feel bad or guilty that they don't have a passion. Our culture seems to communicate that everyone "should" have one.

It's true that some people have one or more passions into which they love to put all their available time and energy. These passions may be a hobby, a sport, work, a creative endeavor, or something else entirely. Their drive to pursue their passion may be all-consuming.

Yet what about those of us who do not have something that we've always wanted to do, like climb all the 14,000-foot mountains in North America, volunteer with disadvantaged children, or write a great novel? If you do not have a blazing passion to follow (or have not yet found one) and feel at a loss, consider this: It's time to explore your curiosity!

Start paying close attention to every small, seemingly insignificant, place, activity, Web site, person, idea, or situation that sparks your curiosity:

• If you drive past an interesting restaurant serving food that you haven't tried, stop in.
  
• When you're online reading about a book on a topic different from what you typically read, and you wonder about it, order it.
  
• At a social gathering, if you notice unusual clothing that someone is wearing, ask her about it.

By acting on simple things that spark your curiosity, you may make a new friend, find a new favorite restaurant, or begin a new form of exercise such as t'ai chi. Or you may realize that your passion is how you live your life as fully as possible.

While you may or may not have blazing passions, your curiosity can lead to interesting experiences, places, and people that add great richness and texture to life. Begin noticing your sparks of curiosity today. Then follow up on your curiosity with action!