Idea Poetry features timeless, meaningful, visual images coupled with words to offer inspiration in pursuit of passions, aspirations and worthy goals. The concepts, although familiar, are presented in a unique perspective by linking numerous designs together for a process for success. The process is brought to life through storytelling, real life scenarios that demonstrate the application for the method in work and personal life. The book includes an exercise to help you put the beliefs to work in your own life. You are also invited to look at all idea poetry designs and let them speak to you. They will provide an inner boost and lift of spirit needed on a daily basis. Idea Poetry is an intersection between art and philosophy that will inspire you on the journey of your life for the years to come. Idea Poetry To Guide Your Passionate Pursuits By Marie Kordus Balboa Press Copyright © 2016 Marie Kordus All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-5043-6015-9 Contents Preface, ix, Acknowledgements, xi, Introduction, xiii, How Idea Poetry Came into Existence, 1, Seven Steps to Pursue Your Passions, Plus One, 3, How You Can Use the Steps, 23, Bringing the Steps to Life, 25, What Passions?, 29, How Do You Know What Your Passion Is?, 33, My Challenges, 37, Letting Go of Fear and Ego, 39, The Rewards, 41, Synchronicity: Paying Attention to the Signs, 43, Where Does the Inspiration Come From?, 45, Let's Try the Process with an Exercise, 47, Bonus Tips, 57, All Idea Poetry Designs, 59, My Hope for You, 141, About the Author, 145, CHAPTER 1 How Idea Poetry Came into Existence I was a fine arts major in college with a secondary interest in philosophy. However, like most people my life after college took several twists and turns. I eventually found myself in the broadcast industry. I started as a media salesperson, and then I had an extensive period as a sales manager. During this time, I was able to integrate my interest in art and philosophy within my day-to-day work by creating Idea Poetry. Selling radio and television time is highly competitive, and in order to keep my sales team motivated, I would create one piece per year. I always tried to reflect the essence of the current time, however they are timeless and meaningful for anyone at any time. Some of the designs were created in the early 1980s and are still relevant today, and they will continue to be in the years to come. It was a way for me to record my life experiences in a unique way and share them. I started producing them as one-sided cards, and I sent them as Christmas gifts. They were hardly holiday messages, however family, friends, and colleagues looked forward to them. They told me they framed them as wall art or desktop prints to look at during times of personal struggle. That encouraged me and gave me the confidence to do more, and knowing it was anticipated, I wanted to make certain the messages were universal and resonated with people everywhere, not just those who knew me. Over the years, I have been told they never cease to provide that lift, that inner boost; they keep on giving. As a broadcast sales manager, I also developed a class for new salespeople entering the industry. The content was specifically on new business development, the heart of every sales organization. As the class evolved, I found it was very natural for me to integrate my Idea Poetry into the curriculum as gifts at the end of class, or as visuals to emphasize specific steps in my process for new business development. This added another dimension to my sales class by providing tangible, motivational tools people could take with them. I began looking differently at these simple words and images, and I developed several visual programs using different Idea Poetry designs. I had all designs made into animated e-cards to add choices for their use. As examples, New Team Member Welcome uses seven pieces of idea poetry for managers or team leaders to use as new people join their team. On a personal note, a five-piece program offers inspiration to Lift Someone's Spirit. Both programs are portrayed later in the book, as are all Idea Poetry. You will have the opportunity to explore possibilities and combinations that work for you. CHAPTER 2 Seven Steps to Pursue Your Passions, Plus One 1. Passion The adventure is our passion. Passion is interest plus a burning desire. Discover your passion by noticing those moments of flow, absorption, when the time just passes as you are involved in work that is uniquely yours. This is the foundation of the process, and it begins personally with me, with you. Go there. 2. Action Action cures fear, and there is always fear when starting a new venture. Nothing happens, until something moves and I take that first action step. Set a goal, make a commitment of the will, and begin to move toward the goal. If I do nothing, nothing happens. Begin by taking action. 3. Believe If I believe I can do som