The Spark. This was our topic this week. The Spark doesn't have to be positive or negative, it's about influence, intention, and the ripple effect of what we put into the world. We discussed how everything starts somewhere, and how a small act of kindness can spread joy, or words of gossip can also spread. We don't realize that we, as individuals, can be the spark. Our attitude, how we give of ourselves genuinely, or even showing a willingness to try something new. One small action can become a chain reaction, such as a friend may start prioritizing their health, which could easily motivate others to do the same (especially if results are obvious!) For a Spark to ignite, we have to give it fuel. We have control over how we handle positive and negative situations. We can feed it, ignore it, extinguish it, or use it to create something meaningful. If you weren't at the Fireside with us this week, we have some journal prompts - or you can answer below. What was a spark in your own life that changed your direction? Is there something you're currently feeding that you'd be better off letting go? What is one small spark you could intentionally put into the world this week. Please join us next week, we'd love to have you!

Wildfire chat is always so much fun. It's a free for all where we can come together and discuss things that have come up, ask questions of the group, chat about nonsense, and get good advice (like an actual campfire). I love seeing groups of people in the same spot each week. There are about 4 guys at the dog park on Saturdays and they hang out with their dogs and chat in the same little group, or I see a group of half a dozen men at the coffee shop each Sunday. Same thing, and I love that format. This is my group where we can do it virtually.

This week was all about pressure. Pressure isn't always bad, sometimes it can be motivating, help us sharpen some skills - but the problem becomes when pressure isn't temporary and starts being normal. Sometimes it seems like we "handle" pressure because we can function. Taking care of people, working, showing up, getting things done- all important things, but functioning isn't the same as being ok. Too much pressure can start to look like irritability, forgetfulness, overwhelm, and controlling. It might even mask itself as becoming MORE productive if there is adrenaline in the mix. Eventually though, your body starts to speak up, and health problems might start to show themselves. We won't ever eliminate pressure completely, but we do need to recognize when we are carrying too much. Read our own pressure gauge and know when to use your "release valve." By reading, getting outside, practicing mindfulness, music, taking a walk - whatever works for you. Needing a break isn't weakness - it's part of how we're designed.

In todays conversation, we discussed a lighthouse - and choosing your hard. The lighthouse stays where it belongs. It leaves the light on, provides direction, withstands storms. It does not leave the shore every time someone gets in rough water. Am I willing to do hard things? Yes, you already know you are willing and CAN DO hard things. The question then becomes: Is this hard thing mine to do?? Is it hard because I'm growing, because I'm avoiding something else I need to do, or because I'm trying to steer someone else's ship? There are 2 kinds of hard: Showing Up Having the conversation Making the change Keeping the promise you made yourself Doing the scary thing and there is: Fixing everybody Absorbing their problems Staying in situations that drown you Rescuing people who aren't navigating their own ship. When we step in and provide solutions - what happens if our solutions don't work? Then we become someone who can be blamed. Period. It's our job to guide, suggest, and LET THEM. Most of the big learning came from going through it ourselves, and learning the lessons along the way. It's invaluable to find your own way through the hard. This will guide you to growing into the person you're supposed to be. Today's conversation was insightful, and hopefully the lighthouse will remind you to stand strong, be a guidepost for direction, and support if needed. See you all next week. ❤️

Today we discussed how staying young doesn't have anything to do with our hair color or wrinkles. Have you met someone in their 70's or 80's who is full of energy and loves being alive? It's not because they are young looking, but more because they are interested. Asking questions, laughing, trying new things...just staying curious about the world and others around them. Answer this question: "I've always wondered what it would be like to....?" And then answer: "What steals our curiosity?" Group members said, be curious by not being attached to the outcome but just doing the thing. Holding an atmosphere of curiosity. (Making space for it) Layers of joy (Childhood vs Adult.....aka Disneyland vs Peaceful cup of morning coffee) Do we need permission? Do we give ourselves permission? We stay young when we still have things to discover. As long as we are still curious, life has something to teach us. Have a good week, my friends.