There are all kinds of fires out there, good and bad. Make sure you fan the flames that feed and not the ones that burn.
Most people understand that in order for a fire to fully catch, you sometimes have to fan the flames. Doing so will make the fire grow and catch on the wood that feeds it. The same is true of life.
There are good flames, the ones that feed your soul and make you shine, and bad, the ones that hurt and harm you and others.
Arguing is one place where you never want to fan the flame. By continuing to argue and yell rather than have a calm discussion you are adding fuel to the fire. The argument grows and both parties get angrier and angrier until someone eventually does or says something to hurt the other. A fire without fuel does not burn, it fizzles and dies. The same holds true for an argument. An argument is a flame that burns and should not be fed.
You can apply the same logic to bullies, Sometimes it’s best to ignore them and just get on with your life. When you stop stoking the fire it will die out. If it doesn’t you need to remove yourself from the equation so the bully has no target. Do not get burned by the bullies flame, extinguish it as soon as you can.
My favourite kind of flames are the ones that make you smile from the inside out. You know the kind, the ones where people are being kind and having fun. Everybody joins in, making it fun for the group as a whole. Each person, contributing and fanning the flames of love as they go; for what is a friend but someone you love.
Spreading kindness and being compassionate spreads flames as well. Helping others and volunteering are how you can spread the flame of love and compassion. The same hold trues for visiting those who have no one, a kind word to someone struggling, or checking on your elderly neighbours.
The strongest flames are the ones based in love. These flames can extinguish hate, ease hurt and loneliness and erase sadness. You can fan these flames with strength, spreading them to your spouse, your children, and your friends. Your flames feed theirs, and theirs, others. This is how you make love contagious; by loving one, we in turn love many.
Make sure to fan your own flames, the ones of the spirit, mind and body. You must feed your spirit so it can grow and you can shine. When you feed your mind it doesn’t become stagnant. You must also feed your body to sustain it. By taking care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually, you fan your own flames.
Others at times will fan these flames for us but we must be open to it. Choose who you will let into your bubble to help sustain and fan your flames. Recognize when it is someone with good intentions or whether it is with a flame that burns. Once you know which, you can then choose.
You can spread all kinds of flames as you journey throughout your days. Make sure, that as you go, you fan the flames that feed.