💡 Just Enjoy the Journey! (Issue 100)

Even when you don't catch a fish

I recently spent a weekend camping and fly fishing with my son. Even though we didn’t catch a single fish, I enjoyed every minute of it.

It reminded me of the times I fished with my father when I was young. Sure, catching a fish was exciting, but I was okay with catching nothing, too. The experience of spending that time with him was enough.

• I loved being outdoors.

• I enjoyed exploring unknown places.

• I was the oldest child, so this was one of the few times it was just me with him.

• Paddling a small boat gave us access to cool, mysterious corners of the waterways (well, mysterious to me as a young boy).

• My father told me stories, shared his wisdom, and taught me useful things while we drove to the fishing spot and while we fished.

• And I always got fun snacks I never had at home (e.g., soda, cheese balls, candy). My mother was great about having healthy food in the house.

On this recent trip, I know my son was a bit frustrated by not catching any trout. But I reminded him of the beauty around us and the joy of spending time together outside.

That alone made the journey together worthwhile.

We bumped into an older guy on the stream. He didn’t catch anything, either.

However, he said, “You know, a ‘bad day’ fishing is still better than the best day in the office.”

We’re always told to “be in the moment,” but how many of us truly live that way? Instead, we’re always following some schedule, working on tasks, and chasing goals.

But, if you let yourself feel this kind of freedom, just “being” is quite okay. I’m still learning this lesson. I have the hardest time not being productive and working on something.

However, my recent health issue has reminded me that living life well is a goal of its own. Surviving and thriving are great ways to “be productive.”

Don’t put your life on hold while racing to your destination, whatever you think it is (e.g., success, wealth, retirement). Remember to enjoy the journey every day. You won’t get another chance to experience that.

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I’m Larry Cornett, a Freedom Coach who works with you to optimize your career, business, and life. My mission is to help you become a more "Invincible You" so you can live your life on your terms instead of being controlled by someone else's rules. I live in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with my wife and our Great Dane.