Day: January 5, 2024

If you want to find your passion, the first thing you must do is recognize it. It’s not something that comes easily, especially if you’ve spent your entire life so far doing work that only serves your needs, like the money it pays or the status it brings. A passion is more than just an interest that gets you excited. It’s a pursuit you would engage in if you didn’t have to. It’s the sort of activity you love doing so much that you could do it all day, leaving every other responsibility behind (within reason).

You might have to dig a bit deep to find your true passion, but don’t be afraid to go after it. Even if you’re only able to pursue your passion part-time, it can be very fulfilling. And when you do find your passion, don’t be afraid to share it with the world.

In a job interview, you might be asked what you’re passionate about. It’s a question that can be difficult to answer because it can feel awkward to talk about something that doesn’t seem career-related, but most employers are interested in finding out how you’d fit in with the company and its culture.

A good way to identify your passion is to think back over your life and reflect on times that you felt passionate. Then, consider what those moments had in common. What about them made them special? What were the characteristics of the people who were involved in those experiences?

You can also identify your passion by examining the types of work you’re naturally good at. Journaling about the things you excel at can help give you a clearer picture of what your professional sweet spot is. Then, you can focus on pursuing a career that utilizes your talents.

Another helpful exercise is to identify what your values are, because they can guide you as you find and pursue your passion. For example, if you’re someone who’s driven by a desire for accomplishment, it’s likely you’ll be more inclined to choose a career that rewards you for your success.

You might be tempted to state an outrageous dream job in your interview answers, but that’s not a good idea. You might be able to convince the hiring manager that you’re a great candidate by talking about your passion, but it will probably come across as false and forced. It takes years of dedication and perseverance to turn simple interests into an undeniable passion, so only state one that you’re truly passionate about.

If you have chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), you know that living with this debilitating condition isn’t easy. You have to make major lifestyle changes, and your extreme exhaustion can make it difficult to socialize or maintain a job. Despite these challenges, there are ways to help you cope and improve your health.

ME is an illness that’s triggered by an infection, most commonly glandular fever or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Some researchers believe that herpes viruses, enteroviruses and Ross River virus may also trigger the disease. Unlike some other illnesses, there is no laboratory test to diagnose ME/CFS. Instead, doctors must rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. To help them do this, patients must carefully track their symptoms over time.

The National Academy of Medicine has issued guidelines that describe the combination of symptoms that’s needed for a diagnosis. To get a diagnosis, you’ll need to experience any of these symptoms for six months or more: debilitating fatigue that’s not cured by rest; unrefreshing sleep; persistent or worsening cognitive problems; pain, dizziness, trouble with balance and/or coordination; periods of bloating, constipation or bowel movements that are more frequent than usual; and/or muscle or joint soreness and difficulty regulating body temperature.

Getting the right diagnosis is important because ME/CFS can lead to many different complications and can be mistaken for other illnesses such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Often, people are not believed by their healthcare providers and are not able to get the help they need. Fortunately, there are organizations that can help you find the best treatments and support for you and your family.

CFIDS/ME & FM Association of Massachusetts

This 501(c)3 organization exists to meet the needs of people with ME/CFS or CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) and their families. They offer informational materials, education and a variety of activities. They host the annual CFIDS Awareness Conference in Boston, as well as other educational and outreach events throughout the year.

The Sundance award-winning documentary UNREST explores the lives of people with ME/CFS and their struggles to obtain quality care and services around the world. It features the stories of eight people who are battling this illness.

During the game of “Who am I?”, players place a name of a famous person or thing on their foreheads. Then, one player at a time, revolving in a circle, asks questions about the name to figure out who it is. The first player to guess correctly wins the game. To play this game, all players must be honest with each other. A dishonest answer can skew the results of an entire round. It’s also a good idea to share key personal information such as recent life changes, other illnesses and any prescription medications or supplements you take on a regular basis. Then, you can provide your healthcare team with the most accurate and complete information possible.