I’ve always been intrigued by passionate people. My interest always piqued when people forged their own path – sometimes even against the advice of others. It’s not always easy to follow your dreams. But perhaps that’s where the fascination with it all comes from.
Passion is a key aspect of our lives, whether we like to admit it or not. And the interesting bit is, it guides us all in different ways. For some, they find it within their careers – entrepreneurial or otherwise, others find it whilst finding love. There are even those that find their passion on a trip that changed their life, or a hobby that’s now so much more than it was when it started. The amazing thing is, there’s no one true definition of passion.
Why? Because it looks different for everyone.
Now, this argument holds true only if you decide not to head to a dictionary to look it up. Then, the definition is an “intense, driving or overmastering feeling or conviction – or, a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object or concept.”
Fine – they win that one.
The thing is though, when passion can look so different for every person that experiences it, that’s where the true beauty lies. And that’s what I’d like to dig a little deeper into.
Who is Gretchen Reese?…And for that matter, Monochrome Minimalist?
I know that some of you reading this may have no idea about who I am, what I do or why I even decided to create Monochrome Minimalist / Passione the Podcast in the first place. In all honesty though, I kind of enjoy that. Passione, in a sense, gives me an opportunity to re-introduce myself to you – my listeners – and even to myself.
It sounds kind of funny when you think about it, but let me explain.
Sometimes I think that starting a new venture – whether it’s for your career or otherwise – gives you a chance to really reflect on what it is that you value, or what you might hope to gain.
“What are my goals?”
“Where do I see this fitting in with my current schedule?”
What do I hope to gain from this new opportunity – networking? Name recognition? Extra income?”
“Does it suit the path that I am currently following?”
“Can it aid in helping to provide the lifestyle I seek for the future?”
Now, these are just a few examples of questions you might ask yourself – but I think that in doing so, it can actually help you reacquaint yourself with your goals. Almost like a re-introduction, so to speak.
Why a podcast?
I want to dive in a little bit to my story – and why I even wanted to start a podcast in the first place.
Initially – a podcast wasn’t on the cards. I had contemplated a YouTube channel, but then realised that I didn’t necessarily have the time to dedicate to the editing process that goes on behind the scenes. However, I wanted an aspect of being able to put a voice to my brand.
One year later – after spending nearly every day listening to two hours worth of shows, a podcast became the perfect extension of the Monochrome Minimalist brand. I was fascinated by the idea that I could speak to and reach so many people, simply from speaking into a microphone from a makeshift podcast studio at home. The interesting bit for me, was that I could take what I loved writing about on Monochrome Minimalist, and create more conversational content surrounding it.
Long story short – sometimes we (myself included) can feel a little nervous speaking to the masses. As someone that considers herself a true ambivert; I feel most comfortable speaking to smaller groups rather than mass gatherings, and immediately the process of creating a podcast by picturing my best friend on the other side of the microphone seemed like the perfect fit.
Where will Passione go?
That’s a good question – and one that I have contemplated frequently. Like I’d mentioned before, I envision Passione the Podcast to be like Monochrome Minimalist in a way. Almost like an editorial pick-n-mix, or like my favourite magazines that I would run to the shelf for everytime a new issue was published.
I guess the short answer is, as far as it can – hopefully making an impact along the way.
But, who am I?
If you’re unfamiliar with my writing style, any of my content or simply my voice for that matter, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Gretchen, I’ve been the voice and the words behind Monochrome Minimalist for nearly seven years – and this year, after a deep period of reflection, I decided that it was time to expand the brand that I’ve known and loved to another medium and another platform.
I’ve been a writer for most of my life – in fact, I distinctly remember being in my fifth grade classroom choosing to spend my recess in front of the two shared computers for both classes, writing a short story, and then going outside to enjoy time with my friends. I’ve loved words, reading and literature for as long as I can remember – and I partially chalk it up to my great grandmother being a published author, which, if you like learning about the effects of World War 2, then you might enjoy her book, A Sparrow’s Song. Still, ten years after reading it for the first time, it’s a book I recommend to this day.
Speaking to people about what they find passion within has always intrigued me. Whether that be fashion, travel, etiquette, or something entirely different. It almost, in a way, helps you to realise your own passion, and also, to help you find what moves you forward.
In short, my name is Gretchen. I’m a writer. A traveler, a podcast host, a lover of good food and wine, a life-long learner and above all, a multi-passionate person.
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The Look
