Reignite Your Passion (Even If You’re Not Sure What It Is Yet)

I’ve been doing some thinking about passion. Not the swoony, heart-thumping romance novels my teen is devouring these days (although I do love a good twisty love story). I mean the kind of passion that lights you up. The kind that makes you lose track of time. The kind that makes you feel like you again. It’s time to reignite your passion for learning and finding something that fuels your fire.

This post contains affiliate links.

When Was the Last Time You Did Something Just for You?

 

As adults, our passions can get buried under the demands of carpool lines, spreadsheets, grocery lists, and meetings. I’ve always thought of myself as a lifelong learner, but lately I’ve been wondering: What do I really love to do?

It’s a question I often ask my students and my own kids. For example, my daughter loves to sing. So we go to karaoke once a month to give her that outlet. One of my middle school students recently published a book (yes, a real book), and I’m ridiculously proud. Watching young people pursue their passions is honestly one of my favorite things.

It got me thinking… I love to write, sure. But more than that? I love helping others uncover their passion and purpose. I want to help you do the same!

So, whether you’re feeling stuck or just craving a little more excitement at the end of the day, this is your invitation to explore what lights you up again.

Not Sure What You’re Passionate About? Start Here.

Sometimes we know exactly what we love to do. But other times, we need a list, a spark, or a little nudge to help us remember.

Here are some ideas from readers and friends (plus a few of my own) to help you brainstorm:

• Writing stories, poems, or journaling
• Gardening or landscaping
• Birdwatching or nature photography
• Playing an instrument or singing
• Painting or drawing
• Baking, cooking, or crafting
• Hiking, stargazing, or geocaching
• Volunteering, tutoring, or mentoring
• DIY home decor or restoring vintage furniture
• Yoga, running, or training for a goal
• Learning languages, coding, or trivia
• Creating music, zines, podcasts, or short films
• Role-playing games, cosplay, or theater
• Making playlists or curating social media content
• Exploring philosophy, folklore, or astrology
• Pet fostering, genealogy, or aquascaping
• Even something like LEGO building or escape room design!

There’s no wrong answer. If it brings you joy, it counts.

If you’ve explored any of these or have one you’re excited about, come share in my free group Creative Teachers Making Money (you don’t have to be a teacher!). I’d love to hear your story, whether it turns into a side hustle or just makes your soul feel a little fuller.

But What If Money Is the Problem?

Let’s be honest: sometimes it’s not about time or ideas; it’s about money. That can be a real barrier when it comes to starting something new.

Here are a few simple ways to fund your passion project without draining your savings:

1. Offer a Mini Service

You don’t need to start a full business to earn extra cash. Offer something small—editing, designing, making gifts, or even helping with digital tools. Start tiny. You can even post in groups like Teacher Deals and Freebies during Side Hustle Weekend to test it out.

2. Use Rakuten for Cash Back

Shopping for supplies, office decor, or even tech? Use Rakuten to get cashback from places like Target, Michaels, and more. I’ve gotten over $100 back just from purchases I was making anyway.
Use my Rakuten link, and get $30 when you make a qualifying purchase in your first 90 days!

3. Sell Things You Don’t Use

Old clothes, unused home items, or that gadget collecting dust? It could fund your next hobby. I made $200 at a garage sale last month, and that was just stuff I already had lying around. Try:

• Mercari – Use my link and invite code FFTRSJ to get a sign-up bonus.
• Facebook Marketplace – Use porch pickups or police station meetups for safety.

Start Small—But Start

You don’t need thousands of dollars or a perfect business plan to get started. You just need a little momentum and maybe a community cheering you on.

So here I am, cheering for you.

If you’ve got a dream swirling around in your head, maybe writing a book, starting a garden, picking up a camera, or something else entirely, send me an email at creativetechteacher(at)gmail(dot)com or leave a comment. I’d love to help you take that first step.

Take it a step further and share your idea with others in Creative Teachers Making Money.