Have you ever heard, or seen, something that gives you a jolt, gives you the proverbial “aha?” Or maybe it simply speaks to you in a certain way at a particular time that makes you think it was designed specifically for you; to the point where it evolves into an epiphany?
The other day I heard a story that did just that and it prompted me to lead off this issue’s rant with it. The story went something like this:
A 40-year-old casual, commercial European fisherman was living in a quaint, friendly little village. Each year he made his annual visit to the local bank manager to review his financial needs. Looking over his past results and comparing them to other local fishermen, the bank manager apprised his client that his results – compared to the others in the village – were superior. The banker suggested that the fisherman think bigger.
The fisherman sat tall in his chair, proud of his success and was curious as to what the bank manager was suggesting. “Think bigger,” he replied. “How?”
“Well, you seem to be very efficient. Why don’t you buy a bigger boat so you can catch more fish? Then, with your new found growth, you can finance more boats, catch more fish, make more profit and expand even further. You can then set up a cannery and a production plant to take control of the entire assembly from the catching to the packaging and distribution of the fish.”
The fisherman sat even taller and asked,“Then what? This sounds interesting.”
The bank manager expounded and laid out plans to go international and open up fishing plants in Los Angeles and Mexico.
Eyes growing wider, the fisherman asked, “Then what do I do?”
“Then you take all your success, package it and go to New York. Once in New York you float your company and its success on the stock market and you’ll make millions,” replied the banker.
Inquisitive, mildly confused and apprehensive the fisherman asked, “How long will this take me?”
“About 20 years,” said the bank manager.
Pausing, and then reflecting, the fisherman recoiled back into his chair and asked, “If I succeed in doing this, what do I next?”
“Well that’s the easy part; the fun part! You can retire as a casual, commercial fisherman and set up shop in a quaint, friendly European village and enjoy life,” exclaimed the banker.
“Thank you for your consideration,” said the fisherman, “But that is what I do right now, and I’m very happy.”
It’s a great little story to help us take life in stride, ease back into reality, and reflect on how much is enough?
Sometimes we have to learn to be content with what we have and take inventory of everything we should be thankful for. That, should alleviate 90 per cent of the self-imposed pressure in our lives. In the end, folks, watch what you wish for, as you might already have everything you need!
This month, we want you to enjoy all of what life has to offer, from extending your summer beyond the traditional boundaries, to jumping right back into the competitive spirit with Chill’s Guy’d to Fantasy Sports.
We’re even going to help you refocus on yourself, your career and your life as our Back to School feature puts a few new ideas on the chalkboard.
We want to make sure you keep the spirit of this season alive as long as possible, so grab a cold one, take life outside and enjoy the moment. You know the drill … CHILL! Your friendly neighbourhood Chillosopher, Scott Stevenson
