“Do you prefer to lead your life more with a compass or with a roadmap?” I came across this thought in a book that I am currently reading by Reg Lascaris, “Lessons from the boot of a car” and this is a good question, do you prefer to have a clear path, where you map everything out to the last “t” or do you have more or less a direction of where you are heading and do you allow each corner to take its course and have the journey down each road take you to new places and new experiences.

I personally would prefer a compass and would think it a wiser option. A roadmap is something we would often seek for as it’s a safe option, it’s a map that will show us the exact direction and road to take. This is safer, easier and in actual fact, the less adventurous option. As they say, “it’s not about the destination but the journey traveled” to reach the destination. Life should be more fun and adventurous and it’s far too complicated to take a mapped out path. I don’t want a roadmap to my life but a compass.

A compass defines where you would like to be in future, what you would like to achieve, how many kids you would like to have, the places you wish to travel to, what legacy you wish to leave? A roadmap will show you a guided path, turn by turn, in hope that the road is clear of any obstacles, as you progress to the next corner or turn. A wrong turn can leave you in a dead-end that you didn’t choose to be in. I don’t want a roadmap dictating my every turn. A compass allows one more room for failure, experience and choice – lessons learnt as you progress further on your journey. A choice when you are in a dead-end, it’s because you chose that path and can relook another route. Guiding your life with a value based compass will get you there with a sense of adventure.

I choose to live my life compass-driven. The question is – How do you choose to live yours?

In 1998, in grade 10, I realised my true interest and passion for art having attended the Deutsche Schule zu Johannesburg. The DSJ offered me the opportunity to take up “art” as a subject for final independent examination and it was in this year that I realised my true skill and potential in this space. I chose to take art higher grade as a subject and Mrs Guyer my art teacher then had pointed out my creative conceptual ability in art and at the time my skill in pencil drawing. It was also in this year, that I traveled to the US, to visit my father who was living and working in Chicago, Illinois. It was with this trip, my first trip overseas (traveling on my own) that I fell in love with travel and had the travel bug bite me. The rest is history and I became a devout traveller, starting off with having travelled the US quite a bit: Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Florida and a very unique trip down the Miami Keyes, its amazing how one experience can define your future and how your passion is born.

I have maintained both these passions throughout my life, I still love travelling and I still enjoy and do fine art photography! And I have managed to combine my two passions into travel photography. The question I ask you, is what are your passions, and have you maintained them? Do you get the time to do your passions, live them and build and strengthen them? Passions are important as they define you and keep your inner life and soul going pushing you forward and that which keeps you progressing. Find your passion again and have your inner self grow!

It can be terrifying when you feel like your life has no purpose or direction, but finding your passion can change all that. Finding your passion is like finding your personal road map. When you know what your passion is, you feel motivated, inspired, and so much clearer about what your next step should be.

“Don’t worry about what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive and do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~Howard Thurman

8 Ways to Discover Your Passion and Live a Life You Love

1. Slow down.

When we slow down we are able to tap into the best version of ourselves, which is most often when we find the answers we’ve been searching for. This might mean practicing yoga, going for daily walks, or setting aside time each day to meditate. Slowing down allows you to quiet the outside voices and listen to yourself.

2. Change your story.

We all tell ourselves stories about who we are, what we’re capable of, and what we deserve. If we can identify our self-limiting stories (I’m not good enough; I don’t deserve to be happy, etc.), then we can begin writing new stories that are grounded in confidence and courage, and map out actions that move us from one to the other.

3. Own your uniqueness.

We are here for a reason. No one else has your unique blend of talents, wisdom, strengths, skills, and creativity. We all have something great to offer, and learning to accept and own what makes you unique is crucial to sharing your gifts with the world.

4. Cultivate confidence.

If we are continually telling ourselves we can’t, then we will never believe we can. There is a chance you may fail, but it will be impossible to succeed if you don’t believe in yourself. You can create affirmations, focus on the things you want, or make a vision board that shows your future success.

5. Find the themes.

Recognising the recurring themes in our lives creates a pattern for us to either follow or chnage. What themes or lessons seem to constantly surface in your life? What are you drawn to again and again? What areas of life seem to be full of discomfort and pain? What areas are full of joy and light?

6. Write.

Ideas flow more freely when we write without an agenda. New inspiration may appear unexpectedly and it becomes easier to connect the dots. Spend a few minutes of quality time each day with a pen and paper allowing yourself to process your thoughts without influence from the outside world.

7. Focus on the fun.

Too often we get wrapped up in the expectations we set for ourselves. We focus on the details and the to-do lists instead of what is most important. What do you love to do? What makes you smile? If money were limitless, what would you be doing today?

8. Push past fear.

It’s so seductive to tell ourselves that’s we’ll go after what we want when we have more experience, more money, or more time, but the truth is, that will never happen. We must identify these excuses as masks for our fear. It’s only when we get clear on our fears and recognize how it is holding us back, we can begin moving forward.