Don't Give Away Your Fire

Don’t Give Away Your Fire

Picture your energy, your passion, your drive as a campfire.

When it’s burning strong, it gives off light and warmth that people are naturally drawn to.  They gather around, they feel better just being near it.

That’s a good thing.

The right people won’t take from your fire, they’ll light their own from it.

A conversation, an idea, a moment of encouragement,  that’s all it takes. Your fire stays strong, and now there’s another one burning somewhere else.

That’s how things are supposed to work.

But not everyone comes with that intention.

Some people don’t want to build their own fire they want yours.

They’ll stand close a little too long.

They’ll keep asking for “just a bit more.”

Your time, your energy, your attention, your effort.

Not light, not warmth.

Fuel.

And if you’re not paying attention, you’ll start handing over logs.

At first it feels generous.

Then it becomes draining.

Eventually, your fire starts to shrink.

Now you’re colder, dimmer, tired.

And the people who were taking? They don’t suddenly become self-sufficient. They just look for the next fire.

Here’s the line you have to hold:

Share what comes from your fire.

Protect what keeps it burning.

Give your light.

Give your warmth.

But don’t give away your woodpile.

Because your fire doesn’t just exist for other people.

It’s yours to tend, yours to grow, yours to rely on when things get cold.

And the truth is when your fire is strong, it helps more people anyway.

Not because you’re sacrificing it but because you’re protecting it.

Keep it burning.