A Single Book of Matches

I'm spending the Christmas holiday in rural southern Indiana so I've had the opportunity to run the rolling country roads where acres separate homes rather than just steps.  Running = time to think.  While on my run yesterday I was listening to music and the song Pyro by Kings of Leon came on.  The first line caught my attention: A single book of matches gonna burn what's standing in the way.

There is something really powerful about that line.  It's akin to the phrase that a single match can burn an entire forest.  One small spark can have a massive impact.  But that's not always a bad thing.  What is my single book of matches?  At times it has been a personal struggle that burns away what I've built and worked for.  Yet, more often, it has been a relentless desire to achieve a goal that burns away obstacles.

"Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it.  Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way." ~ Les Brown 

Life is all about choices.  We all face opportunities and obstacles, crossroads and open highways.  The beauty of choice, if we so choose to see it this way, is that a single book of matches can burn whatever is standing in the way.  We can turn a single idea into a passion.  We are the only ones who get to choose whether our book of matches is positive or negative.  When I have nurtured an idea to the point that I wake in the morning and can't wait to get out of bed to begin working on it, it seems as thought nothing could stand in my way.  My mind gets into a flow of overcoming obstacles and my momentum builds. My single book of matches is an idea sparked by motivation.  Conversely, when I've struggled in life I've allowed poor choices to build with similar momentum.

"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt 

This really comes down to understanding the power we have over our minds and the ability to decide the mindset we bring to life, understanding that we can dictate the outcome of our lives one day at a time and understanding that, if we want to change, it is never too late to start right now.  Take an active role in your life and begin to see life in a positive manner.  Find your passion and develop a plan.  Make choices that build.  Ignite the flame in your soul that is bright enough to burn the obstacles in your way.