Fishing for an Idea

In this episode, Fishing for an Idea . . .

“He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone for eighty-four days now without taking a fish.”

No, no, this is not the Gulf it's the Au Sable River . . . .

Smell - the crisp scent of the northern pines.

Focus - this is your enlightened creative self-expression talking. Place your inspired future front and center in your life.

Listen - can you hear the soft gurgling sound of running water? Cast your fly-rod into that swirling pool. There’s an idea there.

Wake-up!

Your eyelids flicker then instantly your eyes pop open. The clock on the dresser says 4:00 a.m. In a semi-consciousness state, you stumble out of bed. You make your way, in the dark, to that little room where the world has absolved you of all obligations to communicate with another human being. Privacy.

Face-it, we all do it - scattered thoughts as we talk to ourselves in our minds, especially when we’re dreaming.

Well, now that you're up - have a cup of coffee. One sugar and a little milk please Junior. Who am I talking to? Shaking your head, you realize, no one in their right mind is up this early, go back to bed. Right Junior?

The cat is sitting next to the refrigerator watching your every move.

You’re awake!

Your brain has already kicked into high gear. Thoughts exploding as bright white flashes. Words. Ideas. Stories. Suggestions. Information overload. Maybe it’s panic.

Or is it just the way I fish? Call it a habit, call it quirky, call it idiotic - but call it.

Early morning, when the house is quiet, is my most productive time. Deep down, in some peculiar way, we all know what our most creative time is. That special time of day when your gifts, skills, temperament, and experiences collide to synthesize ideas that've been churning in your brain. Put it to paper. Create something from nothing.

Huh, that begs the question, What is writing?

It's how I capture my creative ideas!

If the definition is, one who is paid to produce works that derive income or royalties, my answer to that is a resounding No.

However, if it's someone who every morning parks their hind-side at a desk and taps away at a keyboard attempting to clarify their thinking, improve written communication skills, synthesize experiences and knowledge, I emphatically say, Yes. I’ll leave it up to you, the listener to make your own assessment.

Ultimately it all comes down to fishing for your ideal lifestyle.

Let’s assume for just 60 seconds, all the tumblers in the universe align. You can picture in your mind's eye the work in which you would best shine. Why, because it taps into the best of who you are. The place where your gifts, skills, temperament, and experiences collide. Good luck!

Like The Old Man and the Sea, it’s obvious I need to get back to my fishing expedition. My creative journey for a fulling life, not work but my unique adventure.

Hah, maybe, I just need to take a nap and dream.

This is Patrick Ball, thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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