Flame Throwers

I’m sitting at the dining room table drinking tea and reading my journal. I just stumbled across a saying that I wrote down years ago. The originator of the quote is stated as Rush…but I have no idea who that may be. Check it out and see if it sounds familiar:

You will not lose your flame if you use it to light another’s candle.

Powerful, huh? Does it sound familiar to you? If so, let me know in the comments below. But let’s briefly address this phenomenon of self.

Many individuals have a heightened self-focus or only identify with, “Me, my four and no more!” As a result, people don’t share resources and opportunities with others for fear of others meeting and even surpassing their own position in life. We’d rather be the only ones winning in life, huh? Is that it? Are we happy as long as others don’t eclipse us? Where did that mentality come from? We weren’t always so self-centered and unhelpful. Our culture was seemingly one of cooperative action and collaborative function. Now we side-eye and refuse to speak to one another. We look others up and down and refuse to issue compliments. We don’t lift as we climb.

I am definitely painting with a broad brush for there are many people who do not fall into the self-focused category. There are many who sow words of kindness into others every single day. There are others who speak to strangers and greet friends/family warmly-every single day. There are yet others who issue compliments readily and share information happily and without expectation. These individuals are givers, affirmers, and supporters. They realize that their flame shines brighter when they give. Their world of opportunity opens wider when they share. Their gift grows when they use it. Let’s not hoard kindness…spread it far and wide. Let’s be flamethrowers. 🙂