Gimme fuel gimme fire.

Do you have a burning sensation that lives way deep down inside? (Seriously? You should probably get that looked at. Take a couple penicillin and be a little more responsible next time.)

Kidding! Get your mind out the gutter. I’m talking about the fire in your damn soul. The one that pushes you to be a better person and do more with your time here. The fire that pisses you off enough to make you want to kick life in the teeth. We all have one. You can probably feel it right now. Maybe it’s just a smolder most of the time, but it’s there. We just don’t always take the time to think about it.

When I made a list of all the people, thoughts and things that keep my fire burning, I was a little surprised. Obviously I’m very aware that there’s some burning going on, I tend to run hot, but I didn’t realize just how hot it really is down there.

Most of it is a controlled, comfy blaze. Like the kind you can roast marshmallows with. Hot enough to cook stuff, but no threat of setting off the alarms.

But there’s some scorchers in there too — and they can burn like a bitch. It’s a good burn though. You know the kind I’m talking about. A burn that revs up the engine and peels out in the parking lot. A gasoline-fueled bonfire at a kickass field party with a live band. A burn from a really good burrito with extra sriracha. I could go on. But I won’t.

Instead here’s a quick list of some of the things that keep my fire fueled:

People I love. The drive to be someone who deserves the people I love. Restlessness. Redemption. Recognition. Respect. The insistent voice in my head telling me to figure out my purpose. Bullies and the little ball of anger they built. Old fuckups. Missed opportunities. Writing words that have impact. Great music. The mission to free the world from crap music. The self-appointed role of proving the self-righteous wrong. The search for certainty. Home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Making sure I leave a mark. Self-acceptance. Cash money. A happy dog.  The list goes on...

That’s a lot of hot, right? But it’s all good. Looking at this list is a nice reminder of why I’m here and why I need to keep moving.

What about you? What fuels your fire? Think about it for a minute. Make a list.

And then go burn something down.

JS