Passions

FinLit Live!: How to discover your passion and find your tribe

We always hear about “following your passion” and “passion projects.” But for most of us busy making a living and caring for families, it can feel like there’s not enough time in 24 hours to just be ourselves, to vent or ask crazy questions, to hang out and say/do things simply because we enjoy them.

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That’s where passion communities come in. Usually based online or in a social media app, these groups connect individuals who share an interest or situation. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a parent or a new solo renter seeking advice, or someone getting into a new hobby, starting with the right things in common can help solve a problem, save time and money, and lead to lasting friendships.

This discussion on passion communities was the hot topic during the FinLit Live’s Season 2 Pilot Episode featuring founders of Filipina Homebased Moms (FHMoms), Solo Living PH Hub, FitFil Movement and FitMoms Project PH.

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During FWD FinLit Live's episode on discovering your passion (from left to right): Panelists Coaches Jim and Toni Saret of FitFil Movement, FWD's Chief Marketing and Digital Officer Roche Vandenberghe, Solo Living PH Hub founder Aubrey Rose Buenaventura, FHMoms founder MK Bertulfo, and hosted by Coach Anne Aniag of FitMom Project PH.

Find your “chosen family.”

We are all interconnected today, yet many Filipinos – especially Gen Zs, who grew up with social media – feel lonelier than ever. The support and inspiration that passion communities offer can be a big boost to your daily interaction. These boomed during the pandemic, but the good ones have continued to grow.

But how to find one? In a world teeming with groups, you stay in the ones that add something to your life. Lurk until you’re comfortable posting and chatting. Don't be scared to push your boundaries. Finding peeps who share your vibe (or match your freak, as the kids say) is totally worth it. So, get out there – your squad is waiting.

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Look for a community with a positive, inclusive environment, where you’re comfortable posting your name and profile up, and chatting with strangers. Seek out a community that fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, and (maybe) laughs at the same jokes you do.

But good passion communities are not just echo chambers. They’re also diverse and accepting of people from different backgrounds. Look for an open-minded, collaborative culture. Check the FAQs: do they sound like people you’d want to meet in real life?

Look at the group’s activities and events. Do the events interest you? Are there opportunities to learn, develop skills, and become a better version of yourself? A well-rounded community helps members participate and find value without necessarily having to spend money.

On top of that, seek out a community where the leaders or page admins are honest and approachable. Their decisions should be transparent, fair and benefit all. Can they resolve members’ tampuhans in a civil, friendly manner? This way, the community runs smoothly and everyone feels like they're part of something special.

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How passion communities enrich your life

Joining a group that shares your interests can be a game-changer. You learn from each other, and might even meet new friends or collaborators. Having like-minded individuals around you helps your mental health and can give you a real boost of motivation.

Anyone can start a community. But to keep it thriving, everyone needs to contribute. Share what you know, lend a hand, and make it a newbie-friendly place where people feel safe and not intimidated.

As technology evolves, communities help us inspire each other from the comfort of our homes. They’re awesome places to hang out, learn new life hacks and celebrate our seasonal interests and the things we love (that our families are tired of talking about!). They're like a big family, or an open party in the first week of school.

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Recognizing the huge role of communities, FWD aims to make financial literacy "relatable to [our] passions," tvia Anvil award-winning programs such as the FWD Affiliates PH app, Pinoy Money Master, and others.

This discussion on passion communities was the hot topic during the FinLit Live’s Season 2 Pilot Episode featuring founders of Filipina Homebased Moms (FHMoms), Solo Living PH Hub, and the Fitness Community Movement.

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Wondering what your passion is? Four steps to find out.

Step 1:

Go down memory lane to things you loved doing as a kid, before money and practicality. Pay attention to what makes you smile, gives you motivation and energy. What activities interest you so much you lose track of time? These moments of pure bliss can be strong indicators of your passion.

Step 2:

Evaluate your emotions. Positive, enthusiastic reactions can indicate a passion—but recognizing what you’re not interested in can also show you the problems you want to solve.

Step 3:

Do some inner reflection: We enjoy our passions, but doing them often requires dedication and patience. Make a list of things you’re good at and enjoy, and check out common threads. Your natural talents combined with what you enjoy doing can help you sustain your chosen pursuit. Still confused? Ask friends, family, or mentors what they see as your strengths and interests. Others close to us can see things we don’t notice in ourselves.

Step 4:

Align your passion with your inner truth, core values and beliefs. Most of us have a bigger “WHY” that can lead to a more fulfilling pursuit. Visualize your ideal life—the activities and people you want to engage with. This exercise can also help you identify the passions that match your vision for a fulfilling life.

Follow these steps to make informed decisions on how to pursue it. Passion is a powerful force and can transform your life in amazing ways.

FWD empowers you to pursue your passions by promoting financial literacy and offering innovative products that provide comprehensive financial protection. By educating you on managing your finances effectively and providing insurance solutions that can align with your chosen lifestyle, FWD ensures you can focus on what you love without worrying about your finances should the unexpected happen. This dual approach of knowledge and protection allows you to truly celebrate living, knowing that you are well-supported and secure every step of the way.