How to Re-ignite Your Passion in 5 Easy Steps

After having children, I looked at myself one day and realized that I had completely lost sight of my passion, and who I was as a woman before I became a wife or mother. I believe that it’s natural for most women to go through this phase when they have children. The important thing is not to stay in that place for too long.

The summer after having my second little one, I made a vow to start doing something for myself that I used to enjoy. That something was reading. With two toddlers two and under, I read over twenty books! You may be wondering how in the world I had time to devote to reading in the midst of the chaos that comes along with staying at home with toddlers. I let them play their hearts out on the floor while I laid on the couch and read as much as possible before having to stop and feed, change, or entertain my girls. Nap time was like the icing on the cake, uninterrupted reading once I had dinner prepped for the night. I also stayed up a little later after putting everyone to bed to read a few chapters. I was a reading machine!! I will admit, some things were left undone, I felt guilty some days about not working with the girls as much as I should on educational stuff, but this season was necessary.

This simple act of picking up an old hobby that I didn’t think I had time for was a game changer for me. Once I realized that I could still incorporate some things I enjoy into my daily routine, I was hooked and my passion began to rise.  I started experimenting with jewelry making (which wasn’t my thing), then I found my true niche…crafting with my Cameo!! I saw a shirt one of my friends had made for her daughter and asked how she did it. Two words…Silhouette Cameo. I had never heard of the Cameo before, but I googled it and fell in love, and a month later it was on my doorstep for Christmas (Thanks husband)! Okay ending tangent… let’s refocus on the subject at hand, re-igniting the passion that you have neglected since marriage, little ones, or just life in general happened.

Re-igniting my passion has been a journey that I still a struggle with at times, but I can certainly say that I have been revitalized, and I feel more alive than I have ever been! It is my hope that you can find that same passion within yourself and bring it to life.

Implement these 5 easy steps to revive your passion and keep your dreams alive…

Write down your hobbies

What did you enjoy doing before you had a family that you haven’t made time for lately? Journaling, tennis, sewing, crafting, jogging? Whatever it is, just go for it! We talk ourselves out of the very things we need to revive us because we’re moms, we don’t have time, and we’re stretched entirely too thin. You deserve to partake in something that pleases you and only you. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and this is a great way to replenish yourself so that you can be at the top of your game for everyone that may be depending on you. Even more important, you will be fulfilled in ways that make you feel alive again. 

Pick 1 hobby from your list

Choose a hobby that you will commit to making time for this year. Don’t try to talk yourself out of it because of all the other obligations in your life. Talk to your husband or support system to schedule a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly time for them to take care of the little one(s) while you enjoy your hobby.

It won’t always be easy to keep appointments with yourself, but treat it as if it’s just as important as anything else on your calendar. You don’t even have to leave the house to make this happen. As long as someone is designated to watch the little ones, you can go to a spare room and journal, work on a scrapbook, read, whatever floats your boat. Just make sure you do it, and you will feel so much better once you do!

Write down 3 personal goals

I’m sure you have goals for your little ones and family as a whole, but it’s important to have your own goals as well. Your identity has probably been wrapped up in your role as wife and mother, but there’s a woman still in there with a passion and purpose to fulfill, and it’s time you set her free.

Here are three of my personal goals…

• Do some form of self-care once a week
• Take the necessary steps to monetize my blog
• Spend time daily in the word & meditation to establish a deeper connection with Christ

Lighten up! Don’t take yourself too seriously

I’ve made the mistake of putting far too much pressure on myself to be the best wife, mommy and homemaker I could be. As a result, some days I ended up burnt out, dissatisfied and overwhelmed. We can parent with purpose and intention without setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves. It’s okay if the little ones don’t make it to all the fun activities you had planned for the week, or if you don’t feel up to doing those crafts projects you found on Pinterest. They will remember how you made them feel above all else, so show them love and affection as often as you can.

Speak positive affirmations over yourself

Sometimes we need an extra reminder that we are beautiful, worthy, and capable of absolutely anything we set our minds to! Affirmations are a great way to reinforce positive thoughts and behaviors. If you don’t know where to start, there are several You Tube videos that recite positive affirmations, or you can write your own based on areas you need it most. Here are a few of my favorites…

• Today is going to be a great day
• I am happy, healthy, and whole
• I was created to do great things, the world needs my gift
• I am powerful beyond measure
• I will do small things in a great way
• I release my need to impress others. I know I have nothing to prove. I choose to accept myself just the way I am
• I choose to radiate love, joy and gratitude today. I know that life is too short to dwell on negativity. I walk in light.

There is so much waiting for you outside of your comfort zone. It is my hope that these tips will jump start your journey to rediscovering the passion within you. The process won’t be perfect, but the results will be so worth it! Make a vow that this will be your best year yet!

P.S. Be sure to click the image below to download your *free* worksheet!