Standing outside the fire

Last night I had just enough time in between work and the swim team meeting at 6:30 to take Charlie on a walk on our “longer” loop. I usually listen to podcasts (or nothing) while I walk, but it was already dark out and yet I felt in an oddly peppy mood, so I decided to listen to 90s Country while I walked.

The supermoon lit things up really well so I looped through the park and was thinking how it felt slightly different and adventurous and out of the ordinary to be doing the park loop in the dark (I normally don’t) while listening to some great music (which I also normally don’t, while walking).

Just then Garth Brooks’ Standing Outside the Fire came on…. MAN I love that song. I hadn’t heard it in ages. I just love the lyrics so much, especially the line that goes:

“Life is not tried it is merely survived if you’re standing outside the fire.”

It always makes me think about how even when life feels hard or full or totally crazy….that’s part of the beauty. That’s kinda what it’s all about!! You have to roll up your sleeves, dive in fearlessly and just… live. Be bold, dream big, go for it, take the trip, order the dessert, try new things, make a fool of yourself, make mistakes, say you’re sorry, make the call, get in there.

Don’t just survive life, really try it! I love it. 🙂

(Not saying I have this all figured out myself either, but I love the advice and this song inspires me to keep striving to live my life to the fullest.)

If you’re not familiar with the song, here are the full lyrics.

We call them cool
Those hearts that have no scars to show
The ones that never do let go
And risk the tables being turned.

We call them fools
Who have to dance within the flame
Who chance the sorrow and the shame
That always comes with getting burned

But you’ve got to be tough when consumed by desire
‘Cause it’s not enough just to stand outside the fire

We call them strong
Those who can face this world alone
Who seem to get by on their own
Those who will never take the fall

We call them weak
Who are unable to resist
The slightest chance love might exist
And for that forsake it all

They’re so hell bent on giving, walking a wire
Convinced it’s not living if you stand outside the fire

Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried it is merely survived
If you’re standing outside the fire.

There’s this love that is burning
Deep in my soul
Constantly yearning to get out of control
Wanting to fly higher and higher
I can’t abide standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried it is merely survived
If you’re standing outside the fire.

Video here:

Daily Gratitude:

I am grateful for Garth Brooks music! I rarely listen to it anymore but I love so many of his songs so much.