How do you re-kindle the fire within?

[The Backward OX]

I'm 74 and my inner fire has gone out....not that I ever had much in the first place....

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stoke it up again?

[IEvo]

Inspirational material always helps me when I feel like that fire is going out. Reading about people who have accomplished what I want to accomplish or just share tips that have made their lives feel more complete.

I always know when I'm hearing good advice that would help me, and it helps get me excited.

Aside from that, if you really want to ignite that fire you need to follow your passions. Set about accomplishing something you always wanted to but never got around to-- most people have a laundry list of those by 25, so I wouldn't be surprised if you had some as well.

Even if there's nothing you particularly had on a list of things to do, that shouldn't stop you. Go out and try something new; something you've never done before. There's a whole lot out there to experience, and it's impossible to see it all within a lifetime. So make the most out of your life and try to experience all that you can.

[smartile]

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stoke it up again?

Hi Backward OX,

You've got to have something to live for other than yourself. You're got to pursue something that is bigger than you. You've got to have a goal big and bad enough that it's going to take more than just YOU to get it.

Set a date and time for this goal and then read: How to Believe in Your Dreams - 3 Steps | Learn the Power of Your Subconscious Mind

Hope this helps,

Steve

[Mynder]

What were the things that kindled your fire in the past? When you were a child, a teen, a young adult, and then gradually as you aged?

In the flow of a lifetime, different things become gradually more and less important than others. What got your heart pumping and your anger flaring when you were in your teens might be something you smiled knowingly about just a few years later.

But, along the course of your life, I bet a particular set of values has remained stable. Things you decide you will and will not do. Things you want to see in the world, and things you don't want to see in the world.

I suppose there might be several opportunities to stand in and stand up for groups trying to change these things that you would like to see changed. Pick stuff that really still bothers you, or something that really satisfied you when you did or witnessed it, e.g. a particular act of kindness.

If there is one thing that I learned it is that the older we grow, the more valuable we become, because of valuable life experience, and often enough wisdom to decide what matters and what doesn't beyond the moment. So many things become so unimportant just a few short years later. There is so much wisdom and knowledge to share.

If you're bored, you can do what I do. Offer to listen, offer to suggest advice where asked, and to contribute your life experience to somebody's problem-at-hand. If you can get to that remote place where it doesn't matter to you whether somebody takes your advice or not, that all that counts is that it was offered and available, then this might be worthwhile looking into.

A helping hand can make a big difference in a person's life, and you are never too old to extend yours.

[The Backward OX]

Originally Posted by Mynder

If you're bored, you can do what I do. Offer to listen, offer to suggest advice where asked, and to contribute your life experience to somebody's problem-at-hand. If you can get to that remote place where it doesn't matter to you whether somebody takes your advice or not, that all that counts is that it was offered and available, then this might be worthwhile looking into.

A helping hand can make a big difference in a person's life, and you are never too old to extend yours.

Excellent advice, for some.

However, my experience so far has been that when people want advice regarding a problem, that problem always involves other people; I was born anti-social and lacking empathy, will die anti-social and lacking empathy, and don’t have a clue about people.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

Excellent advice, for some.

However, my experience so far has been that when people want advice regarding a problem, that problem always involves other people; I was born anti-social and lacking empathy, will die anti-social and lacking empathy, and don’t have a clue about people.

If you believe that you are the way you are is the way you are destined to remain is true you are probably right. Your belief creates a self fulfilling prophecy.

D you desire to be other than anti social. If the answer is yes then I believe change is possible.

[The Backward OX]

Originally Posted by Gene

If you believe that you are the way you are is the way you are destined to remain is true you are probably right. Your belief creates a self fulfilling prophecy.

With all due respect, that’s just pointy-headed rubbish. For the first 69 years of my life I didn’t even know there was anything wrong with my outlook. Up until then I blamed the rest of the world for being out of step. Sixty nine years of conditioning is a hard one to undo.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

With all due respect, that’s just pointy-headed rubbish. For the first 69 years of my life I didn’t even know there was anything wrong with my outlook. Up until then I blamed the rest of the world for being out of step. Sixty nine years of conditioning is a hard one to undo.

..As you wish.

[Mynder]

So, what kind of fire are you looking for that doesn't involve "other people"?

If it's been 69 years of conditioning, then you woke up to that a handful of years ago. What changed? Why, when you realized, did you want to change it at all?

What was this conditioning, and do you think it would be worthwhile to, say, write about it, teach people how this conditioning worked, and why it is better avoided?

What is different about you now, how have you changed in the last couple of years since you realized?