08-15-2007, 09:29 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Thanks, Ray. Considering your current health situation, you are more aware than most that we cannot always take tomorrow for granted. For some folks, tomorrow never comes. Or, if it does come, conditions are different and our dreams and plans may not be possible.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]During the last few years of my parents' lives, while I was acting as their primary caregiver (along with my wife), we became even more in tune with the precious gift of health and mental competence. Among their circle of friends were many couples who had once anticipated travel and recreation upon retirement. And, all too often one or the other developed physical or mental impairments that cancelled their intended lifestyle.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It is definitely possible to overdo the fishing and personal time thing. When it interferes with income and family stability, you might need to reassess your priorities and adjust your scheduling. But, if you are taking care of business...and your family...and you have some discretionary time in your budget...then you should do what pleases you most. It is okay to be selfish once in awhile. And, fishing is one of the least destructive selfish pursuits.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are many old sayings that I use as a basis for life...and fishing. One is "Carpe diem"...sieze the day (has nothing to do with carp). When you have the time and the opportunity...go for it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Another is "The
dest words of 
or pen are the words WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN."[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And...a personal original..."IF is the biggest two letter word in any language." I use that to remind myself that I would much rather JUST DO IT...and have the memories...than to procrastinate or postpone...and wonder forever what might have happened if I had just gone and done it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In short (who...me?), I believe that we can usually justify some fishing time...with ourselves or others. Even if our lust for fishing is beyond passion and borderline addiction, we can still confine it to the extent that it does not ruin everything else around us. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The flip side of that coin is that fishing is often the only stabilizing influence in an otherwise unlivable life. I know that it has been the only positive part of my life during several turbulent periods. It is much easier to suffer through a catastrophic day, week or month when you have fishing to look forward to afterward.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Ray, you are living proof that the mere ability to read about fishing...and to live fishing vicariously through the experiences of others...is sometimes better therapy than any medication. Take away our dreams and hopes and we have nothing left. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have shared with others before my personal credo for living. If you substitute the word "fish" or "fishing" for the words life, live or living, then it is really on the mark.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]"EXISTING IS NOT LIVING. I AM GOING TO LIVE UNTIL I DIE. IF IT IS LIVING THAT KILLS ME...SO BE IT."[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It's gettin' pretty thick and heavy around here. Sorry.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]During the last few years of my parents' lives, while I was acting as their primary caregiver (along with my wife), we became even more in tune with the precious gift of health and mental competence. Among their circle of friends were many couples who had once anticipated travel and recreation upon retirement. And, all too often one or the other developed physical or mental impairments that cancelled their intended lifestyle.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It is definitely possible to overdo the fishing and personal time thing. When it interferes with income and family stability, you might need to reassess your priorities and adjust your scheduling. But, if you are taking care of business...and your family...and you have some discretionary time in your budget...then you should do what pleases you most. It is okay to be selfish once in awhile. And, fishing is one of the least destructive selfish pursuits.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are many old sayings that I use as a basis for life...and fishing. One is "Carpe diem"...sieze the day (has nothing to do with carp). When you have the time and the opportunity...go for it.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Another is "The
dest words of or pen are the words WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN."[/#0000ff] [#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]And...a personal original..."IF is the biggest two letter word in any language." I use that to remind myself that I would much rather JUST DO IT...and have the memories...than to procrastinate or postpone...and wonder forever what might have happened if I had just gone and done it.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In short (who...me?), I believe that we can usually justify some fishing time...with ourselves or others. Even if our lust for fishing is beyond passion and borderline addiction, we can still confine it to the extent that it does not ruin everything else around us. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The flip side of that coin is that fishing is often the only stabilizing influence in an otherwise unlivable life. I know that it has been the only positive part of my life during several turbulent periods. It is much easier to suffer through a catastrophic day, week or month when you have fishing to look forward to afterward.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Ray, you are living proof that the mere ability to read about fishing...and to live fishing vicariously through the experiences of others...is sometimes better therapy than any medication. Take away our dreams and hopes and we have nothing left. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have shared with others before my personal credo for living. If you substitute the word "fish" or "fishing" for the words life, live or living, then it is really on the mark.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]"EXISTING IS NOT LIVING. I AM GOING TO LIVE UNTIL I DIE. IF IT IS LIVING THAT KILLS ME...SO BE IT."[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It's gettin' pretty thick and heavy around here. Sorry.[/#0000ff]
[signature]