Wednesday, September 22, 2010

What is Enough?

Gommy has had a glorious time these past few weeks. There have been birthday celebrations for loved ones that have enabled most of our family and extended family to get together. Then there have also been some family members that are having health issues right now as well. It really puts into perspective what is important in life when you are having such a grand time on one side of the equation and you see sickness in those you love on the other side of the equation.

I ran across a parable about how we can get somewhat caught up in the idea that more is better in our day to day attempt to be the best, have the best and attain the best. The problem with that notion is that while we are getting from the 'less' to the 'more', something or someone may be put on the back shelf while we are so busy accumulating. What we find is that we lose precious time with the ones we are trying to 'amass' all this stuff for. The paradox is that we don't know how long we will have 'them' with us. It would seem the wiser to enjoy a little less 'stuff' and enjoy what is really important for a personal success.

Here is the parable. It really brings home what Goms has been thinking about lately.

Who’s Smarter?

A management consultant, on holiday in an African fishing village, watched a little fishing boat dock at the quayside. Noting the quality of the fish, the consultant asked the fisherman how long it had taken to catch them.

"Not very long." answered the fisherman.

"Then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the consultant.

The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The consultant asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, have afternoon rests under a coconut tree. In the evenings, I go into the community hall to see my friends, have a few beers, play the drums, and sing a few songs..... I have a full and happy life.", replied the fisherman.

The consultant ventured, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you...... You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring in, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have a large fleet. Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to a city here or maybe even in the United Kingdom, from where you can direct your huge enterprise."

"How long would that take?" asked the fisherman.

"Oh, ten, maybe twenty years." replied the consultant.

"And after that?" asked the fisherman.

"After that? That's when it gets really interesting," answered the consultant, laughing, "When your business gets really big, you can start selling shares in your company and make millions!"

"Millions? Really? And after that?" pressed the fisherman.

"After that you'll be able to retire, move out to a small village by the sea, sleep in late every day, spend time with your family, go fishing, take afternoon naps under a coconut tree, and spend relaxing evenings having drinks with friends..." by Jean Kent


Maybe acquiring a bunch of stuff fluffs us up and makes us feel better about ourselves. Maybe it is that we are conscientious worker bees or ants trying to build up our retirement and secure our future. (Gommy wants to let you in on a little secret from personal experience here; even the most strident saver can lose everything through some financial catastrophe or crisis). But the truth is that nothing can replace being with the people who really matter to us. And if we end up with the same 'stuff' but had to give up the more important 'stuff'......was it worth it in the end?


It all boils down to what you want out of life. And everyone is taught to strive for success. But the bigger question is......what does success mean to you. Or an even scarier question....what can it COST you in the trade-off? Gommy went through all those accumulating years too and the older one gets, the more you realize all the 'stuff' isn't what was important. The times spent with loved ones and not having to stress over keeping an eye on all the other 'stuff' is much easier on the nerves.


Gommy wishes everyone is having a great life and that the important 'stuff' is in the front of the line.....where it belongs and where it will bring the most success....in the form of lasting happiness! Maybe it's time to make a new list of what is actually important to you. You can do it.....Gommy is pulling for you. Hugs & Mush, Gommy