When I was living in Ireland for three months, I had small cozy space that was heated with a wood burning stove. I was staying there from November 1st 2022 until February 1st 2023. The nights get cold on the banks of the Foyle River.
Here is what I learned:
In order to start a fire, you need several elements of dry kindling. Dry wood lights easier and burns longer.
I have to be willing to use everything you have for one fire. I have to have the abundance mentality and consider that tomorrow’s fire is tomorrow’s problem.
Come from a place of abundance rather than lack.
I must be patient and determined to meet the goal. The goal is to get it lit and to have warmth. I can’t just chase it, I have to trust in my own ability.
It might take more than one attempt. I have to be willing to try more than once.
Smoldering elements can catch without warning. There are things that aren’t within my control.
Fire needs air to breathe. I can’t put too much pressure or stuff on the newly starting fire.
Fire must be fed consistently to continue burning. There is a constant need for stuff to be on the fire or it will go out.
A fire grows with air and time. It needs space to burn hot. I have to be willing to wait a little longer before adding more wood.
I can trust that the next fire will come. I have been able to light one every time I need one.
There has to be patience when it comes to starting a new fire every time.
You have to be willing to take a break and come back to it.
A fire will need you to add a little at a time and not put the heavy stuff up front.
Sometimes you will need to add kindling and paper to get it really going.
I have to be willing to do extra on really cold days.
I will need to put in the work of cutting smaller pieces of wood to feed the flames and keep it going.
In order to keep the fire going when things cool down, it’s a good idea to introduce smaller dry elements like paper, cardboard or small wood.
I work really hard trying to relight a fire when it’s almost out. I fan with such intensity just hoping it will reignite. I think about that when I am working extra hard in my relationships to get the flame going again.