Fish

We camped at a state park for a long weekend. Midmorning we took our fishing poles to find a suitable spot along the lake shore. The summer was hot and dry, so the lake was very low. We walked out along the boulders and rocks to get close enough to the water to fish.

The water came up on shiny mud. The silt and mud were previously underwater. It had dried a bit, but I could tell it was slippery. We decided it was too risky of a spot with young kids and turned to find another place.

I turned and lost my balance. My body weight drove my foot into the goopy sludge. I flooded with angry annoyance and yanked my foot back. Not a good idea. It was effortless, and I had both feet back. The mud kept my shoe.

I channeled my inner yogi to keep from shoving my socked foot in after it. I balanced and considered my options. I could take off my sock and get a muddy foot. I could shove my sock foot in, then remove my muddy sock for the rest of the day. I could leave the shoe and let the fish claim a win over humans.

After an embarrassingly long time of considering these dumb ideas, I remembered, I am not alone. I asked my oldest to come back along the rocks. Now an expert, I let him know that slow steady pressure would be the best route to free the shoe.

Sometimes I get in such a hurry to fix something I actually make it worse. Then, I become embarrassed that I have done something poorly. I double down on my mistake and don’t ask for help.

Where can moving a little more slowly help me go faster? Where am I acting alone when I should get some help? Is there somewhere you are alone, and I could help?

Be curious, be kind, be whole, do good things.