Extinguish the Old to Spark the New

Yesterday, during a family spiritual reflection, I had a spark of listening instead of speaking. The old me would have focused on teaching. The new me let it flow. I learned what my daughter was thinking, which broadened my perspective and understanding. Her point of view was completely different and far better than mine.

As part of my reprogramming journey, I have learned to better introduce topics with openness, listen deeply, and let conversations flow. This has enabled me to gain greater insights, meet incredibly interesting people, and feel a renewed inner peace. 💛

A second spark arrived last week. For five years, I've driven past a cigar shop, always thinking how nice it would be to visit but never feeling comfortable enough. I would make up all kinds of excuses, including how it didn't matter because I would only smoke once or twice per year.

Friday was my Day One. When passing the cigar shop, I did a U-turn (legally, I think 😇) on my motorbike and went inside! I felt out of place, and I did it anyway.

I smoked an amazing cigar with the shop owner and a customer who was there. The customer shared how he was Jewish, originally from Iran. We talked about family, faith, wisdom, and memories from Dubai and Israel. That short time was so rewarding as we laughed, shared mutual respect, and enjoyed the beauty of the ocean. I left different, because I was different. 🌟

As Dr. Marshall Goldsmith reminds us, "What got you here won't get you there." Growth requires subtraction before addition. We must extinguish the old version that clings to fear, control, or desire. For me, this is the way to Nirvana: to extinguish. 🤓

This week, my friends, extinguish a limitation and spark a freedom.

❌ Extinguish control.

✅ Spark trust.

❌ Extinguish critique.

✅ Spark compassion.

❌ Extinguish procrastination.

✅ Spark movement.

Celebrate sparking the new, more loving version of yourself. Act in Service to others with that new Love and watch how the Golden Trifecta™ of transformation generates goodness around you. ✨

It takes a lot of courage to look in the mirror and a lot of discipline to do better. I have full confidence that you will extinguish the old to spark the new. 🔥

And when you do, I'll raise my annual cigar to celebrate. 😎

© Nuri Dimler 2025