At dinner the other night, I asked my family this question to learn more about their passions and inspiration: What Inspires You?
To help my kids understand, I added: What are you really curious about? What do you love doing?
Have you ever noticed how people light up when they talk about something they’re passionate about? Our passions energize and inspire us. They help to define who we are.
Family Inspiration
My older daughter knew right away. “I love helping the environment and learning about trees…and singing, music, and creative stuff.” I noticed her sit up a little taller and smile.
Then my younger daughter added, “I love making art and writing. I really like volleyball and math too.”
My husband shared that he loves to build things and work on house remodeling projects. (I know, I’m really lucky!) He couldn’t think of anything else until my kids reminded him of his other passions including cars, tires, skiing and mountain biking. This left him smiling too.
My kids knew that I’m passionate about nurturing family connection. I added my interests in yoga, writing, hiking, and learning about the brain.
Our conversation grew into the need to make space in our lives to cultivate our passions, which can be challenging with the demands of work and school.
Do you know what your family members are passionate about?
I hope this dinner conversation inspires you as it did my family… And encourages all of us to make more time for our passions.
“Passion fuels dreams. Commitment fuels action. Get clear about what you want to do and why you want to do it. Take action. Your time is now.”
Julie Connor, Dreams to Action Trailblazer’s Guide
Ground Rules to Support Family Dinner Connection and Conversations
- Make the dinner table a safe space. Practice respectful listening. Do not make fun or embarrass anyone about what they share. (This rule has grown into a house rule too.)
- Turn off and put away devices. Make the dinner table a no phone, tablet, or TV zone.
- Make the conversations fun, especially as you get started. (Later, families may delve into more serious topics and discussions.)
- Choosing not to respond is okay. Allow family members just to listen if they prefer not to share.
- To start, introduce just one topic at each dinner. From there, decide what works best for your family.
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