The FireStarter
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'Til You Can’t

'Til You Can’t

Choosing Meaning Over Maintenance

Ed Clementi
August 18, 2025

Yesterday, a song came on while I was out for a drive.
It’s a song I’ve heard a hundred times before.

But every time it plays, it does the same thing.
It brings me back.
To what matters.
To the reminder that time isn’t promised — and the window to live fully doesn’t stay open forever.

The song?

'Til You Can’t by Cody Johnson.

“If you got a chance, take it…”
“If you got a dream, chase it…”
“Don’t wait on tomorrow, ‘cause tomorrow may not show…”

I found myself replaying it…, listening and hearing every word.
Not because it’s catchy.
Because it’s true.
And most of us are avoiding that truth.

We Wait

We wait for the right time.
We wait to feel ready.
We wait for a sign.
We wait until the fear goes away.

We wait to say the thing.
To take the trip.
To call the person.
To say, “I’m sorry”.
To say, “I love you”.
To really go for it.

And then — it’s too late.

We think we have more time.
We think we’ll get to it.
We think there’s still a “someday.”

But someday isn’t a guarantee.
And neither is tomorrow.

That Cube on My Desk

I know what it means to wait too long.

Years ago, I had an idea. That I could create something special.
Make a real difference.
I had a name. A mission. A calling.

I formed the LLC. Created the logo. Trademarked the brand.
I talked about it often.

Then one day my son gave me a crystal cube with that logo etched inside — Inspired Fire —
along with a quote from Walt Disney:

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

That cube sat on my desk for years.
Just sat there.
Looking at me.
Daring me.

And still — I waited.

Until one day, I didn’t.

Why I Finally Jumped

I didn’t leave a lucrative career because I was fearless.
I left because I couldn’t keep pretending.

Pretending the life I had was still the one I wanted.
Pretending the title made up for the misalignment.
Pretending I didn’t feel it eating at me every day.

People said it was brave.
But it wasn’t.
It was overdue.

I left because I couldn’t keep living a version of my life that wasn’t mine.
Because I was tired of talking about purpose and not living it.
Because I knew I’d regret never trying.
Because I couldn’t look my kids in the eye and tell them to chase their dreams while ignoring mine.
Because the risk of staying—of playing small, staying safe, staying silent—
was starting to cost me more than the risk of jumping.

It’s Not About Quitting Your Job

This isn’t a pitch for chasing dreams or building a business.

It’s a reminder that time doesn’t negotiate.
And it sure as hell doesn’t wait.

You don’t have to burn it all down.
But you do have to look up.
And ask:

What conversation are you putting off?
What dream have you shelved?
What part of your life have you been postponing… until you can’t?

Because eventually… you won’t be able to chase it.
You won’t be able to Say it.
You won’t be able to Fix it.
You won’t be able to Live it.

And the worst part?
You won’t even remember why you waited.

While You Still Can

For 75 straight weeks, I’ve shown up here every Monday.

Not because I had to.
But because I wanted to.

Because I want to leave a mark.
Because I want my kids to know what it looks like to choose meaning over maintenance.
Because I’ve seen what happens when people wait too long.

So, if you're reading this and wondering whether this is for you — it is.

This is your sign.
This is your cube.
And it’s daring you too.

Because one day, someone’s going to ask you:

“Did you have the courage to live the life you actually wanted?”

And what a shame it would be…
if the answer was no.

Not because you weren’t ready.
Not because you weren’t capable.
But because you were waiting.

For a tomorrow that never came.

So, whatever it is —
Say it.
Build it.
Fix it.
Start it.

While you still can.