Have you ever marveled at observing a fire being created outside, simply by the fast grinding of flint over a splinter of wood? If you’ve been lucky enough to witness this – then I’m sure that your supper of beans sausage and mash was extra tasty.

We can liken ourselves to the creation of a flame; it’s a lot harder to conjure, than it looks. It requires patience perseverance, and many false starts. There is the hindrance of the weather and wind, and porous wood – refusing to ignite. When at last a wisp of smoke appears, the endurance needed to blow on the ember – renders many to rip open a packet of potato chips instead. Too much effort.

But for those who persist, they become dab hands at rural eating, and survival sings through sinew. They accrue many other useful warrior techniques; they simply refuse to give up. Or through sheer necessity, and without the luxury of convention, they must hunt grow and create, improvisation pulsing through perceived problems.

Very few of us are given a leg-up in life, most of us do not have to build a fire, just to feed, or keep warm. Most of us take running water and a flick of a switch – for granted.

Yet we can easily watch the creation of fire, a few swipes on our phones, and we can witness such endeavors’. We can align our mindsets to such incredible people, and we can copy their grit.

Very often, we have projects or dreams which feel too hard to achieve. Equally we can throw-the-towel-in on low reaching tasks and pursuits. When we do, we swell with frustration. We overlook the need to strategize or problem solve. Many issues are easy to resolve, example the other week – my friend’s washing machine broke. Similarly with computers, it was fixed by simply switching off the mains. In that same week another friend took the time out to read the manual – when her machine also broke. Both saved money and inconvenience, by being resourceful.

When we eliminate barriers, or turn problems around, it’s often the case, that simply a little time off can give us a fresh eyed perspective.

We become sharper and more creative, just by walking away temporarily from a frustration. A cup of tea and a short rest have magical powers.

Get back to that ember of strength you once had and copy the will of those who put survival over problems. If it is possible, then you can find a way.

I hope this is helpful.

SUNNY wishes

Emma x