This story is one that resonates deeply with me. It is a reminder to enjoy each moment now, rather than waiting for “perfect conditions” to present themselves before allowing yourself to let go, and be at peace. Appreciate simplicity. Look at what’s right in front of you; find joy and contentment in the here and now.
Please enjoy, and take what you will from this message.
An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
The Mexican replied, “only a little while. The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The American then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?”
The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life.” The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you.
You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?”
To which the American replied, “15 – 20 years.”
“But what then?” Asked the Mexican.
The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right you would sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!”
“Millions – then what?”
The American paused and smiled, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”
The message in this story inspires me to slow down and take a mindful look around me. It keeps me grounded and brings my awareness to what’s important. What a great accomplishment when you can sit back and say, “I am content. I have all that I need.”
I think back to how many times in my life I have told myself, “When I have ‘this’ then I will be happy!” “Once I’m past ‘this event’ in my life, I will finally be at peace!” “Once I’ve achieved ‘this goal’ I will have made it”…I was always waiting.
Now I try to live my life by a new motto: Don’t chase happiness, recognize it.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this post please give it an upvote! And be sure to visit me on my blog and Instagram for more inspiration. ~Krissy
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