I loved my time at the TEDx Seattle conference so much, I recently applied for entry into TEDx Rainier, an independently organized TED conference coming up on 10/10/10 (don't know TED? Click here). As part of the application process, you have to answer two questions. What are you passionate about in life, your work and your community? Why would you like to attend TEDx Rainier?

Both are great questions, however the first one really intrigued me. What [am I] passionate about? I've included my response below.

What are you passionate about in life, your work, and your community? My passion in life is to inspire people to build businesses, live healthier and help others. I spend my time working to advance these goals.

As an early learning professional, I help children succeed in kindergarten. I also sit on the board of the nonprofit Powerful Schools, and am a member of the Seattle LGBT Commission. These activities interest me because I believe a literate and empowered community can create businesses that benefit society.

My other passion is running ultramarathons—races beyond the 26.2 mile distance. These endurance trail races test my patience and physical ability. Running also offers a wonderful sense of freedom.

When I am not pursuing my other passions, I blog and create brief films about these adventures—all with the aim of inspiring others to challenge their definition of possible. In doing so, I hope to encourage more people to help others in need.

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In modern times, we should probably ask ourselves this question more often than we do. A quick, but genuine gut check on "are you going what you're passionate about" might also be helpful.

As Bueller says "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

I totally agree.