July 29th 2023

Refined by Fire

This week driving into work I watched the sunrise and even at first light it looked menacing. This is the time of year when the excitement of spring and the buzz of early summer has worn off. Summer tends to reveal us at our core and refine us. The season pushes us past our previous limits. You can no longer work for the approval of your peers or your bosses or even the people that you feed. External motivators have melted in the heat. There has to be some spark within yourself, some pride in your work, some renewing passion that keeps you moving forward. I’ve recently found myself asking people if they’re proud of themselves. If they’re proud of the work they’ve done or a task they’ve accomplished. Because when push comes to shove my approval or gratitude (for whatever it was worth to begin with) won’t stand up in the heat. But if you’re proud of your own work, if you feel affirmed with every step, if you look back over the field you’ve tended with joy, no one can take that from you. It will withstand heatwaves and carry you through to autumn.