At this time of year, many of us who have set lofty new year’s resolutions or intentions are realising we may have over-stretched ourselves. I am prone to doing the same. However this year I was very mindful that in January we are still very much in the depths of winter. Taking a lead of nature, still in wintering, hibernation mode, I chose to avoid setting my new year’s intentions until I had give myself the space & time to rest & restore in January.

Then recently I was reminded of this lovely story, the story of the businessman & the fisherman which really helped to put those intentions in perspective and I wanted to share it with you.

A successful young businessman decided to take some time off from his hectic schedule and head out to the the most beautiful place he knew to get away from it all. That evening he was walking by the sea when the most stunning sunset he’d ever seen stopped him in his tracks.

He heard a voice nearby say, ‘Nature’s gift.’ and noticed an old man fishing nearby also admiring this beautiful sunset.

Noticing the old man’s impressive catch lying by his side he commented on the successful day’s fishing. The old man smiled & invited him to join him, saying he was just about to make a fire & cook the fish for dinner.

The young man was thrilled by the invitation & settled down next to the man as the glorious reds & oranges in the sky were being replaced by the night sky scattered with stars, shimmering like diamonds.

As they settled in to enjoy their dinner under the night sky, the young man reflected how delicious the fish was & unable to help himself, his business mind kicked in. He suggested that the old man might like to bring 2 lines next time so he could catch even more fish.

‘Why would I do that?’ the old man asked.

The young businessman replied, ‘So you can sell the extra fish in the market.’

‘But why would I do that?’ asked the older man.

‘Well because you could expand, buy a small boat, a net & catch even more fish.’

‘But why would I do that?’ the old man asked again.

‘Because you could grow your business, make more money, more profit, employ your friends & grow a small business.’

‘But why would I do that?’ asked the old man again.

‘Because with luck on your side your business could grow into a huge business.’

The old man, still not convinced said, ‘But why would I do that?’

The businessman replied, ‘Because if you had a fleet of fishing boats & a big business, you could get other people to run your business so that you can spend your days here in paradise just fishing.’

I love this story, such a lovely reminder that often we are striving for exactly what we already have.

Does this story resonate with you? How are you honouring wintering, slowing down, taking time for yourself?

If you would like more information on how to practice mindfulness, meditation & yoga check out Alex’s website: alexbannard.com

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