Mental Health

Passion is your Spark, Purpose is your Soul

June 25, 2025 By Shauna

Welcome to A Journey to Awareness, today we are going to have some fun as we kick off this episode as a follow up to the last episode! We are going to play with the space within ourselves where we explore how to live more authentically, more purposefully, and more in tune with who we really are and what brings us happiness. Today’s episode is for anyone who’s ever asked the question: What am I supposed to be doing with my life?

We’re talking about two powerful forces that shape a meaningful life — passion and purpose — and how do we find both?

SHOWNOTES

Hello, and welcome to A Journey to Awareness, I’m Shauna Hoffman. Oh today we are going to have some fun as we kick off this episode as a follow up to the last episode! We are going to play with the space within ourselves where we explore how to live more authentically, more purposefully, and more in tune with who we really are and what brings us happiness. Today’s episode is for anyone who’s ever asked the question: What am I supposed to be doing with my life?

We’re talking about two powerful forces that shape a meaningful life — passion and purpose — and how do we find both?

First, what is the difference Between Passion and Purpose?

Guess what? Passion and purpose are not the same thing. And that’s actually great news.

Passion is what excites you. That spark that makes you smile! That energy that jumpstarts your heart a little or a lot! And it’s creativity! Passion fuels your creativity. It opens your thoughts and mind to think and feel differently. And in the end passion is what fills your heart with joy! It’s the thing you love to do — even if no one’s watching.

Now let’s differentiate this from passion for another person! We are not talking about romantic passion. We are talking about your passion for something, not someone! Unless that someone is you! It’s a passion for something within yourself!

You might love to write, design, cook, hike, teach, or play music, speak, do yoga, play sound bowls, hang with dogs or cats or llamas. That’s your passion — it’s what lights you up, brings a smile to your face and a warmth in your heart.

Purpose, on the other hand, is deeper. It’s the why behind your life. It’s what gives your actions meaning. Purpose is often reflective of your morals, ethics and values. It can show up in how you help others, humans, animals, the planet, yourself. It’s what you stand for, or what you want to change in the world.

So here’s the difference in one line:
“Passion excites you. Purpose is what fulfills you.”

Now back to Passion… so, how do you find your passion? We talked a little bit about this in the last episode. But it can’t hurt to revisit it again today!

You follow your energy! This means that you take some time to become self aware. aware of self! HA! This podcast! A Journey to Awareness!

Ask yourself …When do I feel most alive? What am I doing? Or when I’m doing something I don’t like what do I wish I was doing instead? What feels like that thing that throws a huge smile on your face? Think about it right now and see if anything pops into your awareness.

Sometimes when we revisit our younger self we get clues as to what is still deep inside us that is waiting to come out again.

What did you love before life got serious? Remembering childhood passions often will jumpstart your adventure towards finding passion again. Or maybe it was something you loved when you were young that needs to be tweaked a bit to fit the you of today. When I was young we couldn’t have a dog. I lived in a condo with my mom, three brothers and our beloved cat. One more animal would be too much for a single mom to handle. But my soul longed for a dog of my own. So my best friend and I would walk the dogs in the neighborhood for hours on end! Often these dogs would never have gotten walks if it weren’t for us. Now I have my own dogs and I work with rescue to help dogs all over SoCal. Dogs are a passion of mine! AHHH but wait! I am crossing a bit into purpose… more on that in a bit!

You may still not know where your passion is. You just may not have found it yet! Try to find it without pressure. Don’t make it a stressful, What is my passion? Why don’t I know, obsession. Because then it becomes a chore. And when passion becomes a chore it will take all of the magic away. Think of it as an adventure! You are going down different paths on the way to finding your pot of gold!

Many of you are still asking, how do I find it? Where do I find the paths to go down? Here are some more ideas. There is an app called Meetup.com. I have so many of my clients peruse this app to see if there are any local fun groups to try out that spark something inside them to just try out. You meet likeminded souls and you try your hand at different things that may fill a long lost need in you. Or take a class in something that you have always wanted to try. I had a friend that wanted to learn how to make pottery. Talk about sparking her creativity and her creativity being brought to life!

You could join a group. Explore. Passion comes from action, not just desperately searching inside you to see what fits your soul. It can be like a dormant seed waiting to push up out of the dirt. Just water it and you will see it’s beauty! But you have to water it!

Try these journal prompts:

What do I get lost in?
What would I do if no one was watching?
I love this one…What makes me feel like me?
What is someone else doing that I am kinda jealous of… or wishing I could do?

You don’t have to commit forever. Just get curious. One tiny thought at a time. Then one tiny step to discover if you can find a spark in something you are journaling about.

Now let’s talk about purpose — the meaning piece.

Purpose usually grows slowly. Don’t rush it. Let it unfold. Your purpose does not have to be altruistic to the world. It may just be altruistic to you. Someone who grew up in an unhealthy family finds purpose in creating a beautiful safe home for their children. Someone who fought an illness and survived finds purpose in enjoying and giving thanks for every breath they take, every day they live now. For a survivor finding a purpose of filling their life with joy is absolutely not a selfish purpose. It is a much deserved purpose that brings the world one more smiling soul. And then the ripple affect occurs! Their smile ignites another person to smile and on and on!

Your purpose can be as small as feeding all the hummingbirds in your neighborhood. Maybe you have a passion for those tiny creatures and now they have given you a purpose to help them survive. And that brings me back to my love of dogs and how I turned my passion into a purpose by working in dog rescue during one of the hardest times in rescue history. One of my passions that is now one of the most profound purposes I live for. Don’t get me wrong! I have so many passions! Sailing! Travel! Lunches with my besties! But the one that I have combined into my purpose is animal rescue.

Look at your story.

What have you overcome? Often, purpose is born from pain, healing, or transformation.

Ask what you care about deeply.

What breaks your heart or fires you up? That’s a hint.

Think impact, not job title.

Your purpose isn’t limited to a career. It’s what you’re here to give, sometimes to others and sometimes to your self…

Here are some Journal prompts:

What do I want to be remembered for?
Who do I feel called to help?
What injustice or need moves me to act?

Here’s something people don’t say enough:
Your passion and your purpose can and probably will change. What you loved at 25 might not fulfill you at 45 or 60 or 80. Your purpose may evolve as you grow, face loss, become a parent, or change careers, experiment with life and new experiences, retire, get divorced, have kids!That’s being alive. We are not stagnant beings. In fact when we are stagnant is when depression creeps in!

When pickle-ball became the rage I watched a friend in her 40s find a new passion! When a client of mine got divorced in her 50’s she tried ballroom dancing and all of a sudden she is consumed with it in the most wonderful ways. And she lost 20 pounds dancing it away! Her new passion. But it became her purpose, to heal her soul after divorce and show others that it may do the same for them.

You’re allowed to outgrow things. You’re allowed to pivot. You’re allowed to rediscover yourself again and again and again.

Let yourself evolve. Passion and purpose aren’t final destinations — they’re living, breathing parts of your journey.

Here is the wonder…

When your passion and your purpose align? That’s magic.
Here are some Examples:

A photographer (passion) who captures stories for nonprofits (purpose)
A teacher (purpose) who brings theater into the classroom (passion)
A gardener (passion) who teaches people how to grow their own food (purpose)

Not everyone gets there overnight. And not every passion needs to become your purpose. But when the two touch — it can be profound. But let’s be clear. They do not have to coincide. You can find your passion in one place and your purpose somewhere else.

OOOOH. Now let’s look at the science behind it all! First Purpose!

This isn’t just feel-good talk — science backs it up.

People who have a strong sense of purpose live longer.
One large study found they had a 15% lower risk of death — even when accounting for age, income, and health status.”

Let’s look at mental health and resilience:

Purpose doesn’t just add meaning — it acts like a buffer.
It protects us. People with purpose have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse.
It’s like an emotional immune system.”

Physical health!

Want to hear something crazy?

Having purpose is linked to a 33% lower risk of stroke or heart attack. That’s right — it’s not just good for your soul. It’s good for your heart.”
Your brain is literally wired for meaning.
When you’re connected to your purpose, studies show your brain’s reward centers light up — and so does your decision-making and self-control.”

Now let’s talk about passion:

Passion brings its own benefits, too.

People who regularly engage in something they love show higher life satisfaction, greater persistence, and less burnout — especially if they do it for the love of it, not just the outcome.
It’s a kind of passion that fuels joy, not stress.”

I love this!

People with purpose report higher quality sleep, according to the Sleep Science Journal.
College students with a clear sense of purpose are less likely to suffer from academic burnout, and more likely to report better mental health.
In a 2022 Gallup survey, only 20% of people said they feel passionate about their work — but those people were 3x more likely to report high overall well-being.
A study of retirees found that those with a sense of purpose were less likely to develop mobility issues or disability over time.

It always comes back to the mind- body connection!

🛎️ So here’s what I want you to contemplate from this podcast:

Passion is what excites you.
Purpose is what fills your soul.
You don’t have to figure it all out at once.
You’re allowed to change your mind.
You are becoming — as this podcast is named… you are on a Journey to Self Awareness!

You just need a little curiosity and a little courage.

I love this quote by Mark Twain.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

— Mark Twain

If this episode helped you, share it with someone who might be in a time in their life that would benefit from hearing it, too.

Now, beautiful listeners… go forth and have some fun! Play, learn and keep listening to the whisper inside you. It knows the way.

Have a fabulous week! And don’t forget to drink lots of water, eat nourishing foods, and surround yourself with loving beings.

Thank you for joining me today,.. and I look forward to popping into your life again next time!

Mind Over Mirror! Let’s Talk About The Psychological Side Of Aesthetic Treatments

May 14, 2025 By Shauna

From injections to body contouring, these procedures are not just about appearance. They intersect with identity, self-esteem, and psychological well-being in the most fascinating ways. I thought since so many of my clients, both male and female, are bringing this discussion into their sessions we would explore the scientific research behind these treatments, discuss the emotional impact, and talk about some of the common concerns.

SHOWNOTES

Hello and welcome to A Journey to Awareness, I’m Shauna Hoffman.

Today, we’re delving into a topic that’s increasingly common in modern life -aesthetic treatments and plastic surgery. From injections to body contouring, these procedures are not just about appearance. They intersect with identity, self-esteem, and psychological well-being in the most fascinating ways. I thought since so many of my clients, both male and female, are bringing this discussion into their sessions we would explore the scientific research behind these treatments, discuss the emotional impact, and talk about some of the common concerns.

Let’s dive in.

First, let’s talk about Body Image and Self-Perception.

We all live in a world where our appearance is constantly under a microscope. Let’s be clear, self-love is the ultimate goal, but there’s no shame in wanting to feel a little more confident in your own skin. For some people, aesthetic treatments give them that boost of confidence that ripples into other areas of life. It’s not always about fixing flaws – it can be about enhancing what you already love or softening something that causes you stress. And guess what? That’s okay!

We do look in the mirror and see flaws. It is just human spirit. I have always worked with my clients to help them try not to see them as flaws… you know the line.. its character! I always say, I have earned every wrinkle on my face. But sometimes something about your physical appearance is affecting you more than you realize. It is affecting your self-perception.

The newest research consistently shows that how we perceive our appearance plays a significant role in our mental health! We all know that when we like what we are wearing, or how fabulous our hair looks that day, or if we have just lost a few pounds, we carry ourselves differently, we greet people differently and we feel different about ourselves.

A study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that patients who underwent aesthetic treatments often reported improvements in self-esteem and even the quality of life. When people feel that their outward appearance aligns with their inner self-image, they often experience greater psychological comfort, and I love this…social confidence.

For instance, I had this one client, let’s call her, Jessie, who finally had the baby she had dreamed of. But then she struggled with her post-pregnancy body. After some really great sessions and a trip to her doctor we realized that she didn’t have clinical postpartum, which is often a hormonal imbalance, she had trouble seeing the beauty in herself with baby body. To the point that it was affecting her sex life and her marriage. Not to mention, when you have a low-level depression, your newborn can sense it. She decided after a lot of research on a breast lift and laser treatments. Afterwards she felt so much happier and more importantly… empowered. Her decision wasn’t about vanity – it was about restoring a sense of ownership over her body. I love those words. Ownership over our bodies.

Similarly, a male client, James, found that wrinkle releaser injections, Botox, or my favorite, Dysport, reduced his anxiety about looking perpetually stressed. I get that. I had horrible debilitating headaches from the time I was a child. By the time I was 21 those damn 2 lines between my eyes were huge. My muscles were so strong from squinting in pain that the only thing that helped was Dysport. Once I started these injections, I felt so different about myself. I could look in the mirror and not look like a 60-year-old anymore.

But it’s the scientific studies that back this up that I find fascinating. These neurotoxins can even alleviate symptoms of depression by interrupting the facial feedback loop linked to mood regulation.

What the heck is that? The mind-body connection is real! The facial feedback loop suggests that our emotional experience is influenced by feedback from our facial muscles…meaning that mimicking or forcing a particular facial expression can affect our mood. It’s no joke that when we feel low or down, if we force ourselves to turn up the sides of our lips into a smile that sends a message to our brain and our mood lightens. So…by releasing the stress muscles it may send messages to our brain that we are not stressed!

I want to make this clear.

If you’re struggling with body image concerns, you don’t have to go it alone. Working with a therapist can be a powerful way to unpack feelings about your appearance and make choices that align with your values. Whether you decide to embrace every wrinkle or explore aesthetic treatments, therapy provides a safe space to process, to reflect, and to build a deeper sense of self-compassion. Because at the end the only one to decide to move forward is YOU!

Now, let’s talk Emotional Well-Being and Self-Image a little more.

Feeling aligned with your external appearance can influence how you engage with the world. Studies from the American Psychological Association indicate that patients who undergo aesthetic treatments often experience a positive boost in self-confidence. However, research also highlights that individuals with pre-existing body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) may not experience the same positive effects and may continue to feel dissatisfied despite physical changes. So, what is that? BDD is a condition characterized by an excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s physical appearance. Individuals with BDD may believe that they have significant defects or deformities, even when these are not apparent to others.

This underscores the importance of psychological readiness. If you’re considering a procedure, reflect on your motivations!

Are you seeking to enhance an area of your body you already appreciate, or are you hoping a change will resolve deeper feelings of inadequacy? Speaking with a mental health professional can help you discern whether your motivations are grounded in self-care or external validation.

Now let’s talk about Negative Stigma and Social Perception.

Despite the increasing normalization of aesthetic treatments, there remains societal stigma surrounding those who pursue them. Research suggests that people who undergo cosmetic procedures often face judgment rooted in misconceptions about vanity or insecurity. Yet, the Journal of Aesthetic Surgery highlights that the majority of patients pursue these treatments to feel more like themselves – not to conform to external ideals.

If you feel pressured by a partner or peer to change your appearance, take a pause. External influence can cloud personal agency, and your body should remain within your control. Your decisions should reflect your values, not someone else’s expectations.

Another important consideration: Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?

Not everyone benefits psychologically from aesthetic treatments. Research shows that individuals with untreated mental health conditions – especially body dysmorphic disorder – may not get the anticipated emotional relief they were hoping for. Additionally, those seeking procedures to resolve a major life crisis or relationship issue might find the results emotionally unfulfilling.

If you find yourself fixated on perceived flaws, experiencing emotional distress about your appearance, or seeking validation from others, these may be signs to consult a mental health professional before pursuing treatment. A thorough consultation with a reputable aesthetic provider along with a deep conversation with your therapist to determine your motivation for any procedure would be truly important.

To wrap up, here’s the takeaway: Aesthetic treatments can positively impact mental well-being when pursued for the right reasons. They offer benefits ranging from increased self-confidence to genuine medical relief. However, they are not a cure-all for deeper emotional struggles. Thoughtful reflection is key.

If you’re considering any procedure, reflect on your motivations, engage in open dialogue with trusted professionals, and prioritize your mental health alongside physical changes. Your body, your choice – always.

Oh, beautiful listeners, I hope you got a lot to think about from this podcast. And if you know anyone who would benefit from hearing it please share. I hope that you take loving care of yourself. I hope you see the beauty in yourself both inside and out. I hope you drink lots of water, eat nourishing foods, have lots of fun and surround yourself with loving beings. Thank you for letting me in your life this week and I look forward to popping back in again next time.

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