I’m titling this post passion over progress (or lack there of) to address how important it is to be more focused on your passion than on you’re progression in the passion.

Passion over progress                                                                                                                           Personally, I know I get more caught up in stressing about how I haven’t gotten better at writing and how so many  poets are lyrically more skillful than I am. Usually what happens is that I don’t write anything for a long time because I’ve discouraged myself. Having more focus on progressing than actually catering to our passions deters and sets back the actual progression.

Do you ever feel like you’re in a standstill between giving up, doing nothing and moving forward. Lately, I’ve been in the middle and  I’m coming to realize that this is where I’m most comfortable. Doing nothing doesn’t require much except accepting the side of guilt that comes along with it.  I’m brave enough to start and decide not to give up but not quite brave enough to keep going, push through and progress.

Who doesn’t want to progress?                                                                                                                    Nobody wants to stay where they are forever, eventually we grow up, grow out of old habits, people, and hobbies. In a sense, it can be exciting for many but it’s pretty scary because, change is at the root of having to move forward and grow. So often, I’m envious of the place I know I can be as a poet, I’m envious of future Liz but sometimes I don’t want the pressures I know she must be facing. It’s a cycle of psyching myself out and doubting my capabilities that doesn’t allow me to focus on my passions. That fact that you need to progress doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in a bad place right now, it could simply mean that you need to walk a little bit closer to what’s calling you and what needs your attention. It’s great to set your eyes on goals but don’t compare your beginning to somebody else’s middle and don’t let worrying about how much you have or haven’t accomplished stunt you from trying.

Passion                                                                                                                                                                              Put all that you can into your passions! Do what it takes to know that you gave that thing you love all that you had. I for one, haven’t given everything I have into what I do and I don’t know the feeling of devoting myself to what I love but I know it must be rewarding in so many ways. I really do believe that you instinctively grow once you decide to be dedicated to something and continue to work through it despite the challenges. I have a passion for writing and I’ve had trouble figuring out my style and the identity I will carry in my poetry. When I worry about that I write less and in the end I’m neither progressing or indulging in my passion. Forget about progress itself, it will happen without you forcing it and you won’t even know it has happened till you can step back and appreciate it.

2 Reasons for this blog post                                                                                                            

1. Recently a friend I haven’t known for a long time asked me when I started writing and I answered “grade 10,” she was shocked to hear I started so young but to me I always thought grade 10 was so late and that I was behind so many great poets. She commented on the progress I must’ve made since then and I realized that she was right,  I have progressed. I have never given credit to the place I’ve gotten to but I should because it was those times where I had my mind on the poetry that I began to get better at writing and creating. I’m thankful for where I began, where I am and where I’m going. I just have to fully trust and put faith in God, worry only about pleasing Him, focusing on Him and not on the outcomes.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” –  Hebrews 11:6

2.  There’s a new addition to my blog, 

I now have a  Passion Page that will promote the talented people I encounter and get to work with that can hopefully get connected with other people who are interested in what they do. It’s all about supporting each other so if you’re reading this and you’d like to share your passion with the world, at whatever stage in your talent you’re at…message me! ignitedambition@gmail.com

Ignite your Ambition,                                                                                                                                       Liz C

I would personally like to get connected with

• Graphic Designers
• Photographers and Videographers
• Producers
• Musicians, singers and rappers
• Poets
• Beatboxers
• Web designers