Fire-starter

This morning an unexpected call quickly shifted my outlook. Danny Koffman called to wish me a Happy New Year.  What a timely gift!  He brought his upbeat, creative self and blew his positive energy into my day, bringing life to the tiny flicker I was barely holding onto. 

I believe - and have built my second chapter on - resilience. There’s lots of things that knock us down. It doesn’t have to be anything earth shattering.  What’s brought me down this time is relapsing and getting sick.  Again. It’s affecting me physically, but the bigger impact is emotional and spiritual.

Of course that’s what happens. Everything is connected - body, emotions, thoughts, spirit. I know this. And still, it frustrates me! I have decades of experience and knowledge and a huge assortment of my ‘Resilience Ingredients.’  So why do I still struggle with getting back up? And how did I lose my purpose along the way?  

Yes.  My purpose has wandered off – hopefully to some warm, dry beach, where it’s enjoying tropical umbrella drinks. It didn’t even tell me it was leaving!  I just woke up and realized I have no meaning in my life.  No reason I have to get up.  I’m not trying to sound dramatic. Just telling you how it is. It went missing sometime during the past 4 months of illness. It didn’t even send a postcard.

Disturbed, I had to do an inventory.  Do I still have and believe my vision of being happy? Yes - that still resonates!  My purpose “To keep learning and sharing my learnings in ways that serve and spark possibilities in others” is MIA. 

It happens. We get lost.  And that’s when we need fire-starters to blow their magic and spark our lives.  “Fire-starter” is the word that came to mind when Danny called.  He woke up my spirit.  He told me about the latest fire he’s feeding – getting the men in his community talking about their unique visions, purposes and stories.  He lights passion in people.  Just like I strive to do. 

Danny reminded me that we’re all fire-starters.  We all have the ability to inspire others, in small ways and big ways.  And when we do, that reignites our own passion.  We give and get at the same time.  It takes all of us to protect and feed the light of hope. 

So I’m calling my purpose back from vacation.  We have important fire-starting work to do! 

Your Gentle Challenge

Notice the fire-starters in your life this week. Who helps you feel inspired? Why?

Self-Care Tip

Ask yourself at the end of the day: What fed my spirit today—even a little? Write down one thing. That’s how fires are kept alive.

Upcoming Events

Unscripted with Melody!

These aren’t classes – they’re real conversations! Come connect in honest, open-hearted discussion. No script. No pressure. Just real talk.

Fire-starters! Who and what inspires us? Why?

Saturday, Jan 17, 2026 10:00 AM Pacific

Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Reflection and Goals - Use the “Reflection and Goals Tool” then join in for celebration and discussion.

Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 10:00 AM Pacific

Register here to receive the Zoom link.

The Good Grief Group!

Anyone experiencing any kind of loss is welcome to attend the first Saturday of each month.

Saturday, Feb 7, 2026 9:00 AM Pacific

Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Sometimes there are tech issues. If you have any problems with registering or receiving a link, please contact melody@melodywestconsulting.com.

What I’m Reading

What I’m Reading

I’m currently reading The Next Day by Melinda French Gates. It's an easy read about many kinds of transition. The Next Day may be the most difficult part of any transition. Check it out and let me know your thoughts! I'd love to talk about it with you!

What I’m Reading

I just finished The Writer by J.D. Barker & James Patterson. I love a good mystery, and this has a ton of twists and turns. Check it out!

Stay Connected

Are you enjoying the newsletter? Is there something you’d like to see more of? Do you share it with others? I’d love to hear what resonates with you. These small connections are often where the spark starts.

Thank you for being here — and for helping keep the sparks going. Go light up the world, one small spark at a time!

Melody