The answer in one word is, NO!  For me, passion is something that turns me on….oops!  That does sound like sex!  Let’s see if I can make more sense about this topic of Passion…and I would also love to hear your comments.

It seems that throughout the ageing process, I have acquired some interests in various things that I love doing:

• Teaching swimming to young children
• Being a Hospice volunteer to assist the patient and their family
• Acting as a certified birth coach (doula) for couples as they are going through their pregnancy, labor, birth, and post-partum. 
• Teaching adults through classes, conferences, and workshops
• Being around water (there is water outside in my back yard year-round.)
• Being with my family – my daughters, grandchildren, brothers, and their families.
• Being with friends, who I often refer to as my “extended family.”  I am into “quality” rather than “quantity” when it comes to relationships.
• Walking in the woods during the fall when the leaves are colorful as well as crunchy on the ground.
• Playing with my grandchildren.  No expectations – just being real!
• Having time with no “have to’s.”  This doesn’t happen often, but what a treat when it is there.
• Learning new things from listening to others.

For me, passion is something that I pursue rather than sitting back and waiting for it to happen.  I am an activist and I seek out different things and people that will enhance my life.  You can see from the list that there aren’t a lot of things there that bring in money.  That was an accident!

As I read over my list, I can also see the word “being” is there more than other words.  I think that coincides with my value related to “being” rather than “doing.”

What are your passions?  It is okay is “sex” is on your list.  No judgments will be made – but your voice will be heard.

I think it was the election of 2008 when Obama connected with so many people through emails and other technical opportunities, that I thought I should listen to those who said “You have to have a blog!”

Another determining factor was when a friend said,” I can’t believe that you are not on Facebook!  Although I am pretty sure that I am one of the oldest members on Facebook, you can also find me there.  Most of my friends will never look for me in either place, but for those of you who found me – let’s do it!

It seems the older I get the younger I am acting.  My adult daughters often act older than I do, therefore I am bonding with my grandchildren.  They think blowing bubbles out of my sunroof is cool!  I think that one thing that helps us act and feel younger is to hang out with people with similar likes. 

Some of the things that I am trying to do at this time in my life are:

• Avoid drama!  It seems as though many people thrive on this and in my ageing process, it is something I would rather do without.  I do teach people how to deal with conflict, but I would truthfully rather avoid it.  To avoid drama, it may mean taking risks; changing relationships; being true to your core values; and really trying to not take things personally.
• Do things in moderation rather than excess!  Those who know me, will attest to the fact that I certainly know how to do things in excess.  Coming from a family where addictions were the norm, I now try to stay in the middle with : activities, friends, food, exercise, quiet time, work, play, rest, and even finances.  The middle of the road is just great for me now.
• Create balance!  I work for money, but I am also generous with my volunteer time; I laugh and I am not afraid to cry; I work and I play; I enjoy being with people (not large groups!) and value my alone time; I support other people and also gladly accept their support; and I live in Minnesota and balance that out with a trip to the warmer climate during the winter (Mexico!) 

I was contacted by them early in their pregnancy and at that time they outlined how they would like to have their birth happen.  They were determined that this would be a “natural” birth – and that did happen.

Throughout their pregnancy when we would talk, meet, email, etc.. she continued her focus on having a peaceful and wonderful birth.  Her husband was thoroughly connected to her and his wishes were quiet, but similar. 

The pregnancy was uneventful.  She was diagnosed with diabetes, but managed throughout the pregnancy with diet and exercise.  She saw a Chiropractor regularly who keep her body in line as the baby continued to grow and take up more space.  Her mood was even and she never once stated that she was done being pregnant and wanted this over.  Although they were anxious to meet their son, they mutually decided that he would determine when that time would be.

Beginning with her fourth month of pregnancy, she started listening to a hypnobirthing CD, and continued this practice throughout the pregnancy and throughout labor.  Even when her MP3 player got wet in the tub, she switched over the affirmations to a CD in the room, so we all could hear what she was using to get her through the labor.

Her labor consisted of walking, healing touch, massage, talking, laughing, sleeping, cuddling, resting, listening to her CD, eating, visiting with friends and her husband, talking to her son, drinking lots of water, using the birthing ball, taking a shower, and eventually getting into the water birth tub.  There was no pressure with time.  He would come when he was ready.

When someone is in labor, everyone looses a sense of time.  It happens…labor is just what it says….a lot of work.  I could see so many similarities to death.  No predicting how long it would be, surrounded by loved ones, letting nature take its course, and finally being greeted by loved ones on the other side.

As this little guy worked so hard and finally pushed his head through… what a relief!  Then the rest of his body came out and he was hugged immediately by his mom.  The three of them were there in the tub supporting and comforting each other.  Mom, dad, and their son.  Who cannot believe in miracles when you witness something like this?

It is such a privilege to be there when this happens.  I am anxious to go out and visit the three of them to see how everyone is adjusting.  I hope you can understand why this is one of my passions.