Carrying Big Dreams into Reality: The Power of Passion-Alignment
- Sara Mangan Ramelb
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
I always envied people who knew their passion in life. I used to believe there were exactly two types of people: those who always knew they were going to be a veterinarian and carried that dream into adulthood, and Every. Body. Else. The rest of us were simply passengers in life, riding the waves of fate’s fortunes on a rudderless ship.
The Power of Passion: Finding Your Passion Has No Time Limit
It’s exhilarating to hear stories like the one Ursula shared this week—about how values guided her decisions and how a single, life-altering moment ignited her passion. Stories like hers remind us that it's never too late to find our calling. If you haven't been gifted with an innate passion from childhood, don’t despair! Living in alignment with your deepest values can lead you to the passion that will shape your next chapter.
Prepare for the Road to Be Long and Challenging
And that’s when the real work begins! As Ursula shared, bringing big dreams to life is no easy feat. Ironically, the more aligned the work is with your values, the more emotionally vulnerable you become. Ursula painted a vivid picture of the journey—emotional investment, legal hurdles, financial burdens, and navigating mismatched expectations, all while working with various professionals and organizations. Perhaps the toughest part? The emotional toll of the business, particularly when matches fall through due to factors outside her control. The joys and heartbreaks go hand in hand.
Think about it—how many of us have built emotional walls in our current roles to protect ourselves from the sting of an employer’s disregard for our thoughts or well-being? When you care deeply about what you do, you open yourself up to disappointment. But as Ursula’s story proves, it’s worth it.
Resilience and the Role of Community
What really stood out to me about Ursula’s story was the resilience she demonstrated through the difficult early years of starting a business. She openly shared moments of doubt and the self-imposed pressure to achieve more. But what helped her push forward? Community. Friends who believed in her mission provided encouragement, and their unwavering support served as a reminder of the impact she hoped to make.
Talking about your dreams early on can be a double-edged sword—on one hand, it keeps you accountable, but on the other, it can feel like added pressure. My takeaway?
Success isn’t a solo journey. Accepting support, even when it feels uncomfortable, can be the difference between giving up and pushing through.
What Can We Take Away from This Moving Story?
Ursula actively looked for ways to share her gifts with others. If you’re struggling to find your passion, this can be a great starting point:
Think about the things you naturally do well and enjoy—especially those that others find challenging.
Look for opportunities to help others with this skill.
For example, if you secretly enjoy public speaking (yes, some people do!), consider volunteering for an organization that aligns with your values and needs someone to be the voice of the organization at events. The key is to experiment, stretch your comfort zone, and trust that each step forward reveals more of your path.
Dreams don’t become reality overnight. But with perseverance, community, and a willingness to explore, you can transform that spark into something extraordinary.
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