Episode 22: Tend Your Fire Before the Trail Goes Cold and You Burn Out

A big thanks to our friends at Warrior Counseling Works, their equine therapy program is doing powerful, healing work in the world, and we’re proud to have them as part of the Westward ride.Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠Special thanks to our co-producer, ⁠LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.Get your ⁠⁠Westward Merch!⁠Welcome back to the Westward Podcast , I’m your host, Devin Dole (formerly Conley), and today we’re talking about what it means to tend your fire.And I'm not referring to your to-do list, I'm talking your inner fire, the thing that keeps you warm on cold trails and rooted when life tries to pull you in a dozen directions.This episode is inspired by the quiet grit of old Louis L’Amour cowboys and the still, slow work of real life. A reminder that your fire matters, even when it’s down to just embers. Especially then.I’ll share some personal reflections, simple rhythms that help me stay grounded, and a few thoughts on what burnout really looks like (and what to do when you’re already there). If you’re feeling a little worn thin, this one’s for you.00:00 – Welcome to the Westward Podcast01:02 – Morning greetings & life lately02:05 – Why “tending your fire” matters02:19 – Louis L’Amour and cowboy mornings05:14 – What tending your fire actually looks like09:52 – Simple tips to fight burnout16:19 – When the fire feels out: what now?25:01 – Final thoughts & a little hope for your ride32:19 – Closing notes & sponsor shoutout