List three jobs you’d consider pursuing if money didn’t matter.

It was January 2018. After visiting Frankfurt I decided to spend four nights in Cologne and learn about that very interesting city. I used it aldo as a base for short excursions till Aechen and long one till Amsterdam. In both of those trips I was accompanied with one interesting book.

That sunny Saturday I decided to stay in Cologne, walk around, visit museums and ofcourse book shops. And here the story starts. Book shop.

I found a book shop that sells English language books (my German is not good enough to read books in that language), and somehow disappointed that I could not find something of interest, and as hope dies last, I came to the end. The shelf at the end was positioned in the corner, somehow hidden, awaiting some enthusiast to sneak inside. And here I found the book that was waiting for me. As I can agree that no encounter is by chance, being with person or book or place or let’s say coffee shop, I saw the title and a cover page and decided to buy it! The cover photo had one delicious, yet simple, coffee cup which had a question mark ❓️ on the surface. Looking at that cover photo I felt the smell of beautiful coffee and as coffee lover I read again and then once again the title.

That is how that book and me became friends and I still have it in my library. It is a book written by some John Strelecky whom I did not know, with the title

“The Why Are You Here Cafe?”

“A new way of finding meaning in your life and your work“

What is that book all about and how does it reflect the question WordPress asked?

Let me quote from the book. It is the story you might have heard of as it became popular in some corners of our planet.

” Businessman went on vacation to get away from it all, to ‘recharge his batteries,’ so to speak. He flew to this far away location and wandered into a small village. Over the course of a few days he watched the people in the community and noticed there was one fisherman in particular who seemed the happiest and the most content of everyone. The businessman was curious about this, so one day he approached the fisherman and asked him what he did every day.

The man replied that he woke up every morning and had breakfast with his wife and children. Then his kids would go off to school, he would go fishing, and his wife would paint. He would fish for a few hours, return with enough fish for the family meals, and then he would take a nap. After dinner he and his wife would take a walk along the beach and watch the sunset while the kids swam in the ocean.

The businessman was stunned. You do this every day? He asked.

Most days, replied the fisherman. Sometimes we do other things, but for the most part, yes, this is my life.

And every day you catch a fish? asked curious businessman.

Yes! Replied fisherman. There are many fish.

Can you catch more than just the fish you bring home for your family? Inquired businessman.

The fisherman looked at him, smiled, and replied- Oh yes, I often catch many more and just let them go. You see, I love fishing.

Well, why don’t you fish all day and catch as many fish as you can? Asked businessman. Then you could sell the fish and make lots of money. Pretty soon you could buy a second boat, and then a third boat… In a few years you could have an office in a major city, and I bet within ten years you could have an international fish distribution business.

The fisherman smiled again at the businessman. Why would I do that?

Well, for the money, replied businessman. You would do it so you could get lots of money and then retire!

And what would I do when retired? asked the fisherman, still smiling.

Well, whatever you want,  I suppose said businessman.

For instance, maybe I could eat breakfast with my family?

Yes I guess so said businessman, a little annoyed that the fisherman wasn’t more  exited about his idea.

And if I wanted to, since I love fishing so much, I could fish a little bit each day? Fisherman continued.

I do notvsee why not, said the businessman. There probably won’t be as many fish by then, but there should be some.

Then perhaps I could spend my evenings with my wife, walking along the beach and watching the sunset, while our children swam in the ocean? Inquired the fisherman.

Sure, whatever you want, although by then your kids will probably be grown, said the businessman.

The fisherman smiled at the other man, shook his hand, and wished him well on his effort to recharge. “

This story as the story of the turtle and other experiences shared inside are giving to the reader a food for thought about life purpose and convey the message!

Do whatever fulfills you, and do it from the beginning. As you will do what you love doing you will never think of material. That will come by itself if and when you feel fulfilled! Please try hard not to wait to get the money and then to do what you wanted to do at the beginning.

Make every day to be the opportunity  that helps you fulfill yourself. No need to wait until you retire.

So, the simple reply to the question above is: Do, from the very beginning anything that fulfills you, that makes you inventive and happy! And never think of material. It is just distracting you taking time and power from doing what you really love.

AND YOU WILL SUCCEED!

September 26, 2024

Darko Richard Lancelot

Philosophyofgoodnews.com

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