I have experienced failures in the past and I know how it feels when the desire to live passionately dies as disappointment creeps in. I heard of a teenager who was cut from his basketball team for not scoring enough points, a pianist whose teacher told him he was a hopeless composer, a man who lived for a year in his car trying to sell his chicken recipe and was constantly turned down, and two authors who were shunned by over a hundred publishers before somebody took a chance.

These men were all-time basketball superstar Michael Jordan, piano virtuoso Ludwig van Beethoven, KFC owner Colonel Sanders, and Chicken Soup for the Soul best-selling authors who also happen to be my mentors Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield, respectively.

This month, I am doing a series on the importance of passion. Passion brought me to greater heights in my life, and I know it will do the same for you. Life guru Anthony Robbins said it so well, “Passion is the genesis of genius.” Passion is the burning desire to endure, to make some momentary sacrifice, and to fail and rise again that stir one to succeed in life.

How do you live life passionately?

1. Know that passion is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring principle – When your feelings of excitement and enthusiasm fade away, stay committed to your life goal or purpose, whatever it may be. Your passion should be renewed daily.
2. Focus on your value and worth – Many times, we give up on our passions when we see someone do it better than us. Focus on who you are, your strengths, and abilities. Be inspired by others but never compare.
3. Make your setbacks an opportunity for a comeback – Failed on your first or second attempt? Turned down or heard a bad comment about you? Don’t let setbacks push you from inching towards your goal. Learn from it and then come back up again.
4. Remember your future begins today – Wherever you are, whatever your status, whatever your job may be, just live each day with passion – excel and perform better. Your present can be your springboard for your tomorrow.
5. Be grateful – We lose our passion when discontentment arise. Always be grateful for what you have and for your everyday wins. Counting each day as a blessing makes the journey towards your goal a whole lot better.

Why not start becoming a person with real passion today? You can!

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Salvador da Bahia, also known as Salvador, is a city on the northeast coast of Brazil. It is known as Brazil’s capital of happiness due to its easygoing population, outdoor parties and street carnival. I found myself happier indeed as my South American trip continued here.

I previously stayed in hotels by myself, but this time I found myself in the company of fellow lady travelers as room mates. It was wonderful to meet new friends.

The first night we went to town and encountered drummers moving around the streets with people following and dancing with them too. I, of course wanted to be counted, danced to the beat of the drums. The crowd got bigger – it was like an awesome mob party!

Known for its music, cuisine, and architecture, 80% of Salvador’s population has Black African ancestry, making it the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. Among its famous Afro-Brazilian artist is Gilberto Gil who won a Grammy award for Best World Music Album – and I was blessed to be able to watch one of his concerts in his hometown!

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