While perusing the World Wide Web this morning, I came across this news story about the Indiana Pacers' Paul George. Apparently he has offended many people because he went fishing after a big loss in Game One of the 1st round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks. Sports columnists and commentators are ripping him for not being focused and suggesting that the Pacers are going to lose the series to Atlanta the way things are going.
I'll offer a different perspective. For many years, fishing has been my way to escape and relax. I usually return from fishing trips feeling refocused and energized. While the majority of the non-fishing populace doesn't understand this, mostly because they've never given fishing a fair shake, those of us who do fish totally get what Paul George is up to. In fact, I'll go out on a limb and predict a big game from him in Game 2.
Anyone else think he was just relaxing and collecting his thoughts so he could refocus or am I way off here?
Don't know how the guy thinks, but I do agree with your thinking. Fish to refocus. Good.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark!
DeleteCouldn't agree with you more. Fishing... especially fly fishing, is the world's greatest (and least expensive) form of therapy.
ReplyDeleteJay, I agree with you except for the least expensive part. I could have done it cheap, but then I started tying flies...
DeleteBy "least expensive" I was referring to the cost of spending an hour on the water versus an hour in a therapist's office.
DeleteThe amount of money you could spend to gear yourself up for that hour on the water is virtually unlimited. I fly fish (and tie flies) on a budget. I've been very fortunate in being given a whole bunch of tying materials, but when I do need to actually buy something I always cry a little when I see how expensive things are and how little I can actually afford.
Ah, gotcha. Yeah I have to agree with you for sure. Some of my trips literally cost maybe $1 or $1.50 as I only drive a couple of miles to a nearby pond. Cheap therapy for sure!
DeleteI have to agree as well David.
ReplyDeleteThanks Howard. Guess I'm not crazy after all...
DeleteIt is a fishing thing....if you don't do it you don't get it! Crazy people...we put so much into the persona of a person....a TEAM does not win and it is a PERSON responsible for it. Fish on!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine being a professional athlete or movie star, etc. You're right about that persona thing and it must be tough having every commentator questioning you. I'm glad he did what he knew he needed to do...
DeleteDavid
ReplyDeleteI have come to the conclusion that if one hasn’t been brought up around fishing, then most of time they will never fish or be interested in fishing. An example is my three brothers-in-laws none of which was introduced to fishing at an early age and therefore neither ever developed an interest. In fact most all my gym buddies don’t fish, why because they never experienced fishing in years past. I am so thankful my Dad carried me and all my brothers fishing when we were growing up. For me, it is the greatest therapy in the world. Thanks for sharing
Bill, that sounds just about right. I've had a lot of people suggest similar things to me over the years. I think it is important to get kids out in nature trying out things like fishing so they have something to enjoy the rest of their life!
DeleteWhen I start to get irritable, cranky, impatient, and stressed, I know I'm losing myself. That is when I have to get back on the water to find my old friend, my happier self.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds about like me as well! Nothing like time on the water to ease the stress of life.
Delete