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I have heard it said that there are two types of people… those who say there are two types of people and those who don’t. So I guess I fall into the one who thinks there are two types of people. I have experienced two types of people… people who pursue their interests and passions and those who don’t. For the people who don’t pursue their passions, they think those that do are selfish and don’t care about others. Or, they tell themselves that there is just not enough time for those kind of pursuits. Those who pursue their passions, or the things that bring them joy, look at those who don’t with confusion about why they wouldn’t pursue what they love.

We have to be brave enough to give ourselves permission to pursue joy and the passions God has placed in our hearts. A life divorced of the pursuit of joy is a life not worth living.

For years I fell into the category of people who haven’t pursued their passions or what bring them joy. Most of my life has been encouraging and helping others find their joy and passions and pursue them. But for me, I would never allow myself that same permission. We have to be brave enough to give ourselves permission to pursue joy and the passions God has placed in our hearts. A life divorced of the pursuit of joy is a life not worth living… at least for me anyway.

Reengaging in the things that bring you joy might just be the beginning of you turning your pain into your passion. You might have to dig deep into your past to find them, but they are well worth the investigative time spent. I can remember wanting to be an actor growing up, but I thought to myself, “That’s selfish, vain and no one will think you could do it.” Acting like an idiot to entertain people is one of my favorite things in the world. Now only my kids and close friends get to enjoy my weirdness.

These days there are 2 things that I have been finding great joy and passion in doing. First, I love creating helpful content through writing for the purpose of teaching and coaching. So, I decided to pursue Your Caring Coach as that outlet. Second, I love walking and hiking – which makes living in San Diego an amazing place for me to live. One of my favorite things to do on my days off is to take my two dogs to Ocean Beach, here in San Diego. Ocean Beach has about a mile of open beach and space for dogs and owners to run wild, and that’s what we do. I usually walk around 3 1/2 miles while the dogs usually get 5 1/2 miles in from all their running and playing with other dogs. The sun, the scenery, the sounds, the smells and the excitement of seeing my dogs so happy all cause me so much joy.

Experiencing joy, especially when it isn’t at the expense of other people in your life who need your time attention, is one of the most life-giving things you can do for yourself. It’s even better when you can invite those you love into your passions and joys. It’s not selfish to pursue what you love, it’s actual self care at it’s best. Give yourself permission and go do what you love today!

What do you love and want to spend more time doing? What brings you joy? What things have you laid aside because of your fear of feeling selfish?

Coach Matt

Coach Matt

Matt has over 20 years experience as a pastor, organizational leader and coach. Matt is a survivor of pain, trauma, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and codependency. He has learned to not only survive trauma and pain, but live a passionate and fulfilling life and loves helping others do the same.