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Passion; what is it and how do you explore it? If you were to ask me what is a passion, I would tell you it’s something that gives you extreme joy. Passion comes in many different forms it could be something tangible such as sweets or something intangible such as a feeling you get when you posses it. Whatever the case may be, don’t just think about it or dream about it; do it. Explore it, discover it, and make it a big giant adventure in your life.

Now some of you are thinking, Gina I’m a little too old or routine in my life to find passion. The reason you are thinking that because you are properly equating passion to intimacy in relationships only. Fooled you (although it can be if you choose)! I’m talking about something you love to do or always wanted to do.

A passion can be something as simple as chocolate. What can be more stimulating, fun, and deliciously exciting than chocolate? Take your desire for chocolate to a heighten level other than purchasing a chocolate bar or popping a Hersey’s Kiss in your mouth. I’ll give you a few examples.

What can be more decadent than taking in a restaurant that is famous for their desserts; especially chocolate and making that your evening out. Eat light at home and save the date for later for some specialty coffee and that triple chocolate layer cake or better yet a sampler of desserts split between you and your dessert partner.

When you are traveling; even if it is just a day trip take in the town bakery or local chocolate or sweet shop and sample the goods. Make the experience a shopping pleasure. Take in as many sights and smells as you can before making that incredibly tough selection. I can tell you right now we have two glorious places on the island that will satisfy your hearts chocolate desire; The Chocolate Strawberry and The Chocolate Truffle Bakery.

Visit an ice cream parlor that specializes in chocolate double decker, extra sticky sweet sundaes and concoctions or shop for your own fun stuff to make one at home. The best part is sharing. Double the passion with a friend.

Did you ever read up on chocolate? The history of, the making of and all the famous chocolate makers from your huge chocolate chains to your extravagant European designer chocolate artist. There stories are fabulous as well as enticingly interesting.

Ever made chocolate? It’s actually quite fun as well as rewarding when you give it away as gifts. The best gifts I ever gave were the year I made chocolates for Christmas. Mind you it was my BK period, which stands for “Before Kids,” not Burger King. I actually had time to be creative in my home not just at my work desk. I melted chocolate (all the different colors of the season), bought some molds, and hand painted miniature chocolates of Santa coming out of a chimney top. Yes, it took hours; however it was hours of enjoyment and the excitement of anticipation for when my family opened their candy tins to discover “I made that.”

Join a chocolate club of the month or better yet start a local chapter of chocolate lovers with loads of chocolate adventures, ideas, and the best part sampling!

That’s a sampling of how you can heighten an enjoyment into an absolute passionate experience. After reading my ideas I bet you think chocolate is my passion. It’s not; I’m actually a gummy bear licorice type kid; however candy is not my passion. I have many — such as with antiquing, theater, writing and football at the top.

More on that topic later; in the meantime start enjoying yours.

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Gina Sisbarro-Blassneck resides on Marco Island and is the Senior Program Director at the Marco Island YMCA. Her passion is anything to do with kids; especially the teens. She enjoys directing theater and writing. She looks forward to publishing her first adult novel hopefully in print by the holidays. She has two teenagers Wesley and Brianna “Booey” which gives her the greatest joy in life!