A couple of weeks ago, out of the blue, I received a message from a former coworker I hadn’t spoken to in nearly five years. Earlier that day, he said, I had randomly come to his mind.
As he reflected on our short time working together, one thing stood out to him the most — how passionate I was. He told me it was something he had always respected.
It was a small and unexpected message, but it stuck with me.
The Forces That Drive Our Lives
Whether we’re aware of it or not, our lives are shaped by the values we hold — and people notice.
Passion has always been intrinsic to who I am, and it was encouraging to be reminded of it. That random, kind message from an old colleague stayed with me throughout the week, prompting me to reflect on how passion has guided my life.
I’ve seen it show up in new energy and drive when I was first introduced to sports in middle school.
I experienced the joy of serving others — whether volunteering at junior high youth nights or sharing a hot meal and conversation with the homeless at an Out of the Cold event at church.
When I was personal training, I loved the satisfaction and joy it brought me — that smile that always appeared when my clients finished our sessions, dripping in sweat.
(Maybe they weren’t as passionate as I was in the moment, but they always thanked me later!)
Passion has expanded my curiosity for learning and heightened my desire for self-improvement.
It has rewarded me with fulfillment and purpose through life coaching, writing, and podcasting.
Although my life circumstances and environments have changed, passion has remained a constant — a driving force that has shaped who I am.
Just as it has guided my own life, maybe it’s time for you to be reminded of the principles that have been guiding your journey.
Recognizing Who You Are
Whether it’s through a random message from someone you haven’t spoken to in years, a weekly email, or quiet self-reflection, inspiration can be found in becoming more aware of the kind of person we are.
For me, it was gaining a deeper appreciation of how passion has shaped who I am.
What qualities have guided your life and made you who you are?
Are you someone who has consistently faced life with courage?
Or someone known for living with deep integrity?
Maybe you’re the person who has always shown loyalty to the people who matter most.
Or the one whose compassion quietly leaves the world a little better than you found it.
Perhaps ambition has driven you to pursue meaningful goals and elevate your impact on others.
Or maybe it’s resilience that has helped you build the inner strength to weather life’s storms.
What would a former coworker, friend, or family member say about your character?
The more we recognize and embrace the qualities that define us, the more meaning, fulfillment, and alignment we experience in our lives.
Getting Back on the Path
Maybe, like me, all you need is a small reminder of the values that have been guiding your life all along.
Recognizing what shapes us is powerful — but awareness is only the beginning.
When we take time to identify and intentionally live from those guiding traits, we start to move through life with greater purpose and alignment.
Here are 3 ways to begin:
1. Ask Someone What They See In You
Sometimes others recognize our guiding traits before we do. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or former colleague and ask:
“What qualities stand out most about me?”
Their perspective may reveal principles that have quietly shaped your life all along.
2. Look for Patterns in Your Life
Think back over different seasons — school, work, relationships, challenges, and achievements.
Ask yourself:
What qualities kept showing up in how I approached life?
Whether it’s courage, compassion, curiosity, resilience, or passion, those patterns often reveal what truly defines you.
3. Choose One Quality to Live Out This Week
Once you recognize a trait that resonates with you, practice it intentionally.
If it’s compassion, look for an opportunity to help someone.
If it’s courage, take the step you’ve been avoiding.
Principles become meaningful when they move from reflection into action.
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