Ever feel like life’s a giant jigsaw puzzle with a missing piece that’s probably under the couch? Spoiler: that piece is hiding in the stuff that sets your soul on fire. For me, that’s words—writing, talking, storytelling, reading, you name it. My whole life, words have been my paintbrush, my compass, my slightly-too-loud party trick (sorry, Mom and Dad). Leaning into this passion hasn’t just been fun – it lit up my soul’s purpose, guiding me from corporate communication teams to gap-year epiphanies.
But let’s be real: sometimes my wordy superpower goes rogue, landing me in uncomfortable situations every now and then. I believe that those fumbles are part of the journey to finding your true direction. If you don’t mess up a few times along the way, then you probably aren’t living big and boldly enough. Here’s how chasing a passion – my love for words—helped me find my soul’s true north.
From Kid Scribbles to Soul-Sparking Stories
As a kid, I was that child—scribbling wild tales about talking zebras, churning out reports on far away lands (some real and some make believe), and devouring books like they were candy. My parents begged me to stop talking some days, citing the offense (their words: “diarrhea of the mouth”). Teachers loved my contributions but pleaded for silence in that other, quiet part of class. (Still working on that one—ask my husband.) Words were my playground, my way of making sense of the world. Fast-forward to adulthood, and that kid with the pen is still in there, whispering, “Hey, let’s tell a story.” Writing—whether it’s journaling, morning pages, or this blog—has become my therapy, my mirror, and my map. It’s how I dig deep, uncover insights, and figure out what my soul’s trying to say.
- Try this: Jot down a 5-minute stream-of-consciousness about something you love. No editing, just flow. What pops up? That’s your soul waving hello.
Words That Opened Doors (and taught me balance)
In my corporate life, words were what I used every day to do my job. They were the currency for everything that meant success in that business; emails to clients and internal teams, sales pitches, performance reviews, fee schedule changes, interviews, the list goes on. We painted pictures with emails, sold ideas with well-placed questions and positioning of benefits, and left strategic silences that made folks think. But here’s the kicker: those skills weren’t just for boardrooms. They were practice for my true calling—writing to inspire, connect, and light the way for others.
- Pro tip: Next time you’re in a convo, try listening more than you talk. Drop a thoughtful question, really listen to the answer, and watch the magic unfold.
The Gap Year Epiphany: Writing as a Portal
When I ditched the corporate grind for a gap year, I didn’t just rest—I rediscovered my passion for writing. Journaling became my morning ritual, spilling out dreams, fears, and random musings about life. I started this blog, Gap Year With Amy – A Guide for Professional Adults, to share the magic of hitting pause to rest, reset, and explore. Writing about everyday moments—collabing with my husband on a gourmet meal, challenging teenage parenting situations, gardening fights with birds and bugs, or laughing over craft beers—helped me see life from a new angle. It’s like stepping through Alice’s looking glass: suddenly, the world’s different, and your purpose feels closer. My words, once scattered in emails and random meetings, now weave stories that spark joy and nudge others toward their own soul-pull work.
- Reflect: What’s one passion you’ve shelved? Dust it off for a week. Write about what it stirs in you. That’s your compass pointing true north.
Passions Aren’t Just Fun—They’re Your GPS
Here’s the wisdom I’ve earned through a few decades of word-wrangling: passions like writing aren’t just hobbies. They’re your soul’s GPS, guiding you to your intended work. My love for words led me from chatty kid to corporate executive to gap-year blogger and author, and now to dreaming up a micro bakery that’s as much about mental health as it is about bread. Every story I tell, every connection I spark, feels like a step toward greater purpose. But those times I’ve overshared, misspoken, or rambled? They’ve taught me humility, mindfulness, and the art of a good apology. Your passions—painting, hiking, whatever—work the same way. Lean in, embrace the wobbles, and let them guide you to who you’re meant to be. No pressure, just play.
- Challenge: Pick one passion and spend an hour on it this week. No goals, no “it has to be something.” Just let it lead. Where does it take you?
Keep Chasing the Sparks
Your soul’s purpose isn’t some far-off treasure—it’s in the stuff that makes you lose track of time. For me, most of the time it’s words: the stories I hear and get to tell, the laughs I share with all kinds of amazing people, the moment when a coaching queue or question lands just right. My gap year taught me to stop chasing “practical” and start chasing alive. So, whether you’re writing, dancing, or perfecting your sourdough game, lean into what lights you up. Your passions are trying to tell you something. Listen, play, and let them guide you home. Oh, and if you’ve got a story to share? I’m all ears (or eyes). Drop it in the comments—my chatty soul can’t wait to connect.
- Your move: What’s one passion that’s tugging at your heart? Give it some love this week, then write a sentence about what it taught you. Share it with someone—at the very least your dog. The universe is cheering you on.
Amy – your professional gap year guide and lifetime lover of words
xoxo