Keeping Life in Perspective: Why More is Not Always Better

Saturday

Feb062010

While I am certainly guilty of working too-long-of days and not always stopping to smell the roses, I am trying harder all the time to keep a more constant mind set when it comes to appreciating the moments that matter in life, and focusing on things other than work and money.

While I know that work is important and of course we need to earn dineros to pay for our essentials in life, when all is said and done, our accumulation of "stuff" just won't matter much at all.

I came across this story recently and thought it so beautifully illustrated this exact point. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

What Will My Reward Be?

One day a fisherman was lying on a beautiful beach, with his fishing pole propped up in the sand and his solitary line cast out into the sparkling blue surf. He was enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun and the prospect of catching a fish.

About that time, a businessman came walking down the beach, trying to relieve some of the stress of his workday. He noticed the fisherman sitting on the beach and decided to find out why this fisherman was fishing instead of working harder to make a living for himself and his family. “You aren’t going to catch many fish that way,” said the businessman to the fisherman. “You should be working rather than lying on the beach!”

The fisherman looked up at the businessman, smiled and replied, “And what will my reward be?” “Well, you can get bigger nets and catch more fish!” was the businessman’s answer. “And then what will my reward be?” asked the fisherman, still smiling. The businessman replied, “You will make money and you’ll be able to buy a boat, which will then result in larger catches of fish!” “And then what will my reward be?” asked the fisherman again. The businessman was beginning to get a little irritated with the fisherman’s questions. “You can buy a bigger boat, and hire some people to work for you!” he said.

“And then what will my reward be?” repeated the fisherman. The businessman was getting angry. “Don’t you understand? You can build up a fleet of fishing boats, sail all over the world, and let all your employees catch fish for you!”

Once again the fisherman asked, “And then what will my reward be?” The businessman was red with rage and shouted at the fisherman, “Don’t you understand that you can become so rich that you will never have to work for your living again! You can spend all the rest of your days sitting on this beach, looking at the sunset. You won’t have a care in the world!”

The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, “And what do you think I'm doing right now?”

Photo by bbjee

Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 9:18AM | |

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Reader Comments (8)

Haha, great story! That really puts things in perspective!

Thanks for posting this!

February 6, 2010 |

Tiger

I agree with Tiger :)! Awesome story!! Thanks Jinxi, love!

February 6, 2010 |

Cass

i wish i can show this story 2 my parents, so that they culd hav a different perspective in life

February 6, 2010 |

jktattooist

That's so funny that you posted this story on here, today of all days...

I've been thinking of my dad a lot lately and once i started getting tattooed, the only thing we could ever talk about was fishing. This was one of his FAVORITE stories to tell people when he would, seemingly, not be doing anything when he was fishing.

He used to tell people that contrary to popular belief, fishing was a more physically demanding task than it gets credit for. He's right too. It takes an attention span, upper body strength, lots of physical strength, actually.

Years later when he had his strokes and hear attacks, he had to give it up. It was just too much a a strain on his heart, all the excitement of catching a fish he was after. He used to still go out on the trips on the boat, but all he could do was watch.

He told me one day, on one of these trips, that he was so glad he took so many days off to go fishing and get to do all the things he loved about fishing while he was still able to. Then he added, if only I could reverse all of the way life is planned out, because now that I have time and nothing else to do, I think I could get a lot more accomplished. :)

Not sure why I felt like sharing that; I don't usually like to talk to him to complete strangers, but it made me think of it and how right he is. In fact, I think that's why I made the decision to be involved in the Tattoo trade early in life instead of finishing college and trying to do it later.

You see, the way I had it figured in my head, I could go back to school anytime and still accomplish what it was I wanted to accomplish and maybe after some more life experience I wouldn't have to worry about ending up with a degree in something I didn't want to do anymore because I'd out grown it. However, trying to break into the tattoo trade over 40? Don't think that would have worked so well...LOL

Sure, there are times I think to myself that if I had finished school, I would have a great paying career and not have the money worries I do now, but would I be happy? Or would I rather be fishing on that beach?

I don't regret the last 13 years of my life and being in such a questionable and minimally paid trade. If we're talking dollars, sure, my bank account could be more full. If we're talking pure happiness and great stories to tell my family when I'm older and amazing friends I've made, the impact I've had on people's lives with tattooing and piercing (even in the sense of psychologist), I keep up with all of that and feel far more rich than I think I would feel with all those dollars in my bank account and a hole in my heart where the life I've lived should have been. <3

February 7, 2010 |

Mary Bertling

This post reminded me of The Little Prince. Have you ever read it? It's a short book - you would (most likely) love it if you haven't.

Also, in one of the photography blogs I follow, a photo from an old movie with script saying, "I'll wait," followed by this caption:

"Too often today we forget to stop and breathe. We work late, set up meetings on weekends, double book and over-organise. We forget the simple pleasures that have been redefined as indulgences when they should be, by right, a part of any persons natural routine. So this week take some time to stop; read a paper, drink a bottle of wine, listen to some music and watch a movie."

The effects of slowing down, of having less in our lives, taking advantage of the more simple things, and reflecting in our daily activities and thoughts is so beneficial toward our bodies. If everyone, especially in the United States, could slow down and just relax -- we would all be doing so well! It's easy to let this idea slip away under the weight of certain responsibilities, but this post is a wonderful representation of the consciousness involved in doing just that -- keeping life in perspective!!

Excellent post, Jinxi. What a great read.

February 8, 2010 |

What a great post! Turns out to be pretty timely for me. I am in my fifties and chucking it all to move to a more beautiful place. No money, no savings, no job, no prospects but with simple shelter. It is terrifying and yet exciting. I will clip this piece and tack it to my refrigerator to read every day and be thankful that I am no longer working 80 hours a week just to live some bogus suburban dream.. Great inspiration. Thanks!

February 10, 2010 |

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