Sometimes we are up and inspired; at other times we are down and uninspired.
Can we keep the flame blazing all the time?
While many argue it is possible to be positive at any given moment, life is cyclical and there will be times when we will be less energetic and happy. The trick then is to bounce back from difficult moments rather than to strive to be jumping with joy all the time.
Those who are most successful in life are those who are able to see and meet their problems as challenges rather than those who seemingly have no problems. Being inspired and motivated is not a one time thing. We must continually view problems as challenges on our road to success and happiness.
The difference between a problem and a challenge is merely one of perception. We can see obstacles in life as problems, which hinder our progress, or as challenges, which allow us to grow and prosper. 
Inspiration and motivation create a flame which gives us warmth and sustenance, as it did for our ancestors thousands of years ago.
Once the fire is going, we must continually fan and feed it to keep it going. As long as we have coals in our internal fire, we have hope. Once the embers in the fire of life are extinguished, it is the beginning of the end. Rain, sleet and snow will appear in our lives and temporarily dampen the fire which burns brightly within. When we clarify our burning desire, we realize how important it is to fan and care for that fire.
As we learn to feed and nurture our burning desire on a daily basis, problems and obstacles wither and die. Each of us has been inspired and motivated by different elements at one time or another. There is no quick fix and no one recipe which works for everyone to fan the fire. For some it is religion, for some it is reading a book and for others it may be realizing the importance of facing life’s challenges to care for our children. We each have an inner drive we use to get us motivated when we are down in the doldrums.
We must continually fan the burning desire which blazes within in order to bounce back from life’s difficult moments. When we consciously feed and nurture the smoldering coals within our souls, we create our destiny and determine our direction.
∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 27