I was once asked whether or not we are imbued with our passions at birth and I would suggest that yes, we are born with certain propensities just as we are born with our own temperaments. As we mature, we are privileged to identify these passions which we can then develop over the course of a lifetime. This pattern certainly represents my observations of many around me and it definitely resonates with my own story.

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As a young child, my father took me to the Humane Society to select a kitten. Almost immediately I chose the one with no tail. My father kept pointing out other beautiful options but finally acquiesced. When asked why I was so set on that particular kitten my response was simply, “I was worried that no one else would take her.” By the 7th Grade, I was writing a “Dear Julie” advice column for the Jr. High newspaper. Thus began my journey toward identifying and developing my own passions.

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Unequivocally, I have a heart for the hurting. Whether expressed through my counseling profession, lobbying for organizations like MADD and LIEAP, or my mission work, it’s always involved coming alongside others in their time of need. More recently, as the need has become greater, I’ve found that the most effective and efficient use of my passion-born skills is to offer counseling, education, and support to those who work directly with those in need so that exponentially more are served. 

 

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