The problem with shielding yourself is that you trap your pain inside, with no way out. I’m grateful to have learned so much in the ways of keeping my spark alive. Because it’s definitely an attainable skill. It can be learned, practiced, and improved upon. Just like desperation can be unlearned, too. Same with apathy. Those are temporary ways of soothing unmet wants and needs.
If I could offer anything, I think I’d try for a simple nudge: when your pilot light goes out, the best thing you can do is remind yourself it’s temporary. That you know how to rekindle your spark each and every time. And that you’re far more capable than you give yourself credit for.
onward.
-dmac