avatarTommy C

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Gone Fishin’ for Peace of Mind

The bait was set, the line was cast, and I waited patiently for a bite that I knew would probably never come.

You see, I don’t actually care much for fishing.

Shhh, don’t tell my buddies that!

To them, I’m just one of the gang, sitting out on the dock with a rod in hand, shooting the breeze, and hoping to reel in the catch of the day.

But my secret is that I’m really here for some much needed me time.

Loving the view in this one. Photo by Aidan Hodel on Unsplash

As Ferris Bueller wisely said,

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Well folks, that dock on the lake is my Ferris Bueller moment, my chance to stop and soak it all in. The gentle lap of the water, the chatter of the birds, the fresh country air — it’s my own personal zen zone, far from the pinging phones and jam-packed calendar of my daily grind.

So while my companions are laser focused on hooking themselves a big one, I’m perfectly content to let my mind wander wherever it wants.

I think about my happy childhood memories of summers at the beach, make plans for my vegetable garden, or just clear my head of any worries or stress.

I don’t have to be “on” here — I can just be.

Photo by Matthew McBrayer on Unsplash

Now don’t get me wrong, reeling in a fish would be the cherry on top of a perfect day.

But for me it’s about so much more than the catch. It’s about remembering that life is fleeting and the most important thing is enjoying the ride. It’s about being fully present and embracing each moment.

So while everyone else may think I have fishing fever, it’s really peace of mind I’m after.

And when I pack up at day’s end with an empty bucket but a full heart, I know my secret fishing mission was a success.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with a dock and some much needed solitude.

Tight lines, friends!

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