Love. Hate. Want. Need.

By Sidney Gaskins

Each month, Sidney breaks down what she loves, hates, wants or needs.

In the light of both Black History Month and Valentine’s Day I thought it fitting to highlight my passions: people, action, empowerment and Black Women in History.

Sometimes the passion you have emerges through being involved in your own Life. And sometimes it emerges from being involved in the life of another person. The funny thing about passion is that it is not an action, but a noun. However, action is required for passion to be visible. Passion can drive someone to murder, to stalk, to change their Life, to help another, and obtain sexual satisfaction. Regardless of the situation, Passion is powerful. It drove Caesar to Queen Cleopatra; it allegedly drove Jennifer Hudson’s brother-in-law to kill three members of their family; and it drove millions of Americans to the voting booths. One thing cannot be denied; passion can be used to fan the flames of a variety of actions.

T. Alan Armstrong said, “If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.”

Valentine’s Day happens to be the lovey-dovey holiday, where people think about love, sex, marriage, etc. One the other hand, for those who are looking for another way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a constructive manner, which will lend itself to more than frills, bubbly champagne, and a night of “passion”; instead, consider what you are passionate about? Ponder Armstrong’s question, “If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived?” A Life Break might be in store to assess your passions. What are you living into or for? How are you making a difference? This Valentine’s Day and Black History Month, take the following and answer for yourself:

• What would I give my time to for free?
• Who would I hug even if they did not ask?
• Whom have you not told how much they mean to you this year?
• When I die, what legacy would I like to leave?
• What makes me smile the most?
• What activity do I enjoy but do not take part in?
• What have you wanted to do but have not been brave enough to take on?

Seven little questions that can put the passion back into your Life. What is your passion? Pursue it. Oprah Winfrey did. Maya Angelou did. Madame CJ Walker did. Marian Anderson did. Lena Horne did. Lil Hardin did. Daisy Bates did. Angela Davis did. Althea Gibson did. Dorothy Height did. Your turn.


Sidney Gaskins, Family and Business Consultant/Coach, is the CEO/President Enterprising Life in metropolitan Atlanta, GA. Enterprising Life encourages individuals and businesses to look outside of the box to unleash their dreams and achieve success. For more information visit: www.EnterprisingLife.com or call 678.886.3174 .