Passion

1. Definition:
1. 1828: Zeal; ardor; vehement desire.
1. Zeal (vigor)
2. Ardor (emotion)
3. Desire (enthusiasm)
1. Passion is really loving what you are doing, at the ground level. When you feel a strong emotion towards some action, with enthusiasm, you exhibit passion.
2. Quotes:
1. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” (Harriet Tubman)
1. Passion is a key element in large change, without passion there is no lasting change, nor is there the desire towards it.
2. “There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” (Nelson Mandela)
1. Passion must be big! If our passion is small, the change we create will also be small. But we are capable of huge change. We must not settle for less.
3. Scriptures:
1. “Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.” (Alma 38:12)
1. Passion is not an inherently good thing. You have to bridle it, make it yours. Only when you bridle them, and turn them towards good.
2. “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” (James 5:17)
1. This prophet had bridled his passions. He had them. They could’ve been bad. But he had control. And because of that he was able to change the very essence of nature.
4. Personal Definition:

Passion is a neutral attribute. We all have passions, but they can be controlled. When we control our passion, it can make us powerful leaders that can change the world. But only if our passions are big. If not, we are aiming below our standards, and will not make anything better. Passion is a powerful feeling, be it good or bad. It is a strong emotion.