A four-letter word to describe passion ...

Love? Zest? Grit? Rage? All have correct meanings, but the 4-letter word many associate with passion is PAIN.

In previous centuries, passion referred to pain, suffering, or fits of madness. 

Have you sometimes felt you were ‘suffering a fit of madness’ when pursuing a life goal or investing excessive time and money in doing something you are passionate about?

Passion is associated with pain because of the discipline and determination required to do something you are emotionally and mentally invested in.

Pursuing your passion often involves discomfort, frustration, or even failure - this is all part of the journey toward achieving the desired outcome.​​

Sometimes, our passion is rewarded when involved in an activity or cause that reaps continual satisfaction, joy, and fulfillment.

Sometimes, our passion is an ongoing rage toward an injustice that causes pain to others. 

Some people only want to experience the positive aspects of passion. Expressions such as ‘follow your passion’ are viewed as a flashing neon light to achieve selfish desires, without considering the impact on others or the world’s resources.

The phrase ‘no pain, no gain’ became widely known as an exercise mantra in the early 1980s. Intensive physical training or rehabilitative strength building requires us to push through the pain our body and mind want to resist.

Enduring the pain of passionate experiences is not always welcomed, but ‘good pain’ is rewarded. 

What does experiencing good pain look like?

This is a question a mother can answer following childbirth. Labour pains are uncomfortable, but knowing the outcome will be worth it allows us to endure the painful process.

Labour pains are experienced when launching a new career, birthing a business idea, or transitioning to unexpected changes in circumstances in our lives.

​​Passion and pain go hand in hand because they reflect how much you care about a relationship, an activity, or a cause. 

Every challenge you navigate towards a desired goal has an element of pain at some stage, whether it’s growing physical, mental, or emotional resilience. The setbacks and disappointments endured while pursuing your passion can sometimes make it more rewarding.

As I mentioned in January’s blog, desires and goals start with an idea of what you want. 

Passion gives your idea some legs.

Trish