Passion, Resolution and Women Who Make Things Happen

It is more than half way through January; if you are sticking with your New Years resolutions, good for you. If you have given up, or just have forgotten, try switching your ‘resolve’ for a little intense desire.

You could grit your teeth and do something because you say you will, but what is the fun in that? We know women in the South Hills who have accomplished very cool things by instead tapping into what they love and what gets them excited. We’ve pulled some stories from the Wise Women E-journal archives to give you the idea.

Hilary Livingston of Upper St Clair knew she had to loose weight but nothing was working. Then she realized the missing element was her spiritual connection to her own body. She became passionate about making that link and not only lost 70 lbs. but developed a program she could teach to others, and use as the basis of her doctoral thesis! (Faith in Losing … Less Really is More)

Newly widowed, Trish Morris of Bridgeville had to do something to provide for her family. In her own words she “loves, loves, loves” beads; she turned that love into a thriving business—Zelda’s Bead Kit Company—that brings a living to her family and to several part-time employees, not to mention joy to her many clients. (Happiness is a Colored String of Beads)

Baldwin native Karen Krieger never planned on owning one of the largest gyms in the South Hills, but she always had a passion for gymnastics and loved watching young girls grow in skill and discipline from training in the sport. Private lessons turned to group classes to larger rental spaces to finally building Premier Cheer and Gym which trains more than 1,000 girls a year. It is crazy busy and tons of work but Karen says, “I walk in here everyday and have a big smile on my face. It is so much fun, it is so fulfilling.”  (A Thousand Little Girls)

Marsha Handy of Peters was ready to get back to work, but only on her own terms. She examined what mattered to her—extended family, problem solving, flexibility, helping people—and ended up creating a mobile fundraising extension to her sister’s successful fashion boutique. It has been a tremendous success and is the perfect job for Handy. “Who wouldn’t want to use your mind, work with your sister—in beautiful clothes—and work it around your own schedule?” (Fashion on Big Wheels)

Feeling “more alive” is not a New Year's resolution we generally articulate, but it may be what we are seeking when we resolve to lose weight, get outdoors more or spend quality time with our families. USC resident Kerry Turner got all of the above when she discovered a cool hobby: geocaching. She found something she loved to do; the rest came naturally. (High Tech Hunts)

Determination and hard work have been involved for all these women. But they all say the key to their success is joy; they love what they do. Do your goals include something you can get excited about? Resolve is great, but passion will get you further.

Do you know a local woman who has turned a passion into an interesting accomplishment? Maybe she should be in Wise Women. Tell us about her at contact@wisewomenlife.com.