A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark. ~ Dante Alighieri
A man must live like a great brilliant flame and burn as brightly as he can. In the end he burns out. But this is far better than a mean little flame. ~ Boris Yeltsin
Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. ~ Albert Schweitzer
Okay, first off, all of you who have your heads in the gutter, please remove them promptly. Yes, it is true that flame can be referring to romance, but that is NOT what I am referring to in this post! I am referring to inner motivation, daily living, contributing to society, etc. Yes, romantic involvement may be part of that, but it is not really what I was getting at.
We all need those people to help light a spark in us that allows us to move forward. We all need those people who rekindle our light as it is about to go out. Every one of us has had those moments where we feel less inspired, less motivated, perhaps even a little depressed. It maybe related to job or life satisfaction, it may be a mid-life crisis, or it may just be. In those moments, we look to our friends, our family, our support systems to assist us in finding new strength to persevere and carry on.
I find that a new project of any kind can often help fan the flame. I may be struggling at work, but if I add something creative in my personal life that gives me the ability to get through the challenges on the work front, as I am invested in something apart from work. Similarly, if I am struggling with friendships or parenting skills, work can be my escape that then rejuvenates me enough to be able to head home at the end of the day and attempt to tackle the issues again.
Some people find that the spark they need is obtained in prayer or meditation, or attending religious services within a community. Others find it when taking a walk on the beach or through the middle of a forest. They key is to find what works for you and remember it in those moments when you need inspiration and motivation.
Today, 221 days ’til 40, I am thankful that I have many outlets to turn to when I need a boost in order to keep on keeping on.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
Cassi
July 15, 2012 at 00:18
Interesting question, I’ll think about it and post on my own page…. Yours is the only blog I subscribe to. Keep up the good work….I had another blog – malakoa – you may know me from that – but probably not.
400daystil40
July 15, 2012 at 12:53
Thank you so much, Cassi!!!
changeforbetterme
July 15, 2012 at 03:45
when I feel down….or sad…..or just exhausted…I read a really good book…or take my paint brush in hand and paint…..then I feel better and can continue on with life……and with a smile 🙂
400daystil40
July 15, 2012 at 12:53
Great ideas! I love to read too! And create!
thelastsongiheard
July 15, 2012 at 10:37
My blog fans my flame and even though it takes over an hour to write, check and complete a post, that’s one of my top priorities in my daily routine…
400daystil40
July 15, 2012 at 12:52
Me too!!! 🙂
ssgt leslie
July 15, 2012 at 20:33
good post, for me, i focus on my service dog, lizzy, brings me back to the here and now, not on my deployment, …thanks for sharing…..all interesting flame ideas
400daystil40
July 15, 2012 at 23:12
Ah, aren’t pets amazing? especially service animals!
ssgt leslie
July 16, 2012 at 04:25
yes they are, i am very lucky…
transitionscoachingcayman
July 15, 2012 at 22:17
Good question. It is important to have our support networks, which sometimes those of us who dedicate ourselves to fanning other people’s flames, forget or have difficulty finding.
400daystil40
July 15, 2012 at 23:16
Very good point! Yes, those of us who help others are often in the greatest need for our own support systems!
transitionscoachingcayman
July 16, 2012 at 19:12
Yes, and no-one realises because they see us in the role of constantly supporting, affirming, giving. It will be my mission now to get my emotional needs met too.
400daystil40
July 16, 2012 at 20:40
This is so important!
simon7banks
July 22, 2012 at 20:04
Another quote:
“Some burn damp faggots, others may consume
The entire combustible world in one small room
As though dried straw, and if we turn about
The bare chimney is gone black out
Because the work had finished in that flare.”
William Butler Yeats, “In Memory of Major Robert Gregory”.
To me, prayer and walking alone by the sea are not different except that silent prayer may be shared.
400daystil40
July 22, 2012 at 22:28
hank you so much for sharing this quote!!!