I made a new blogo-connection recently with Robert Hruzek at Middle Zone Musings.  He is hosting a writing contest.  Well, not so much a contest as an opportunity to write about what we’ve learned from a unique source.  Here’s my entry:

What I Learned From Norm

I met Norm ten years ago.  He is the father of my friend Mike.  We started an annual fishing trip to Ontario, Canada in 1998.  Norm was the ‘senior’ member of our troupe. 

The rest of us were in our 30s (then!). 

When you spend a week in the wilds of Canada with someone, you get to know them quite well.  Hours in a cabin, hours on a fishing boat, hours of unfettered conversation. You learn that not everyone goes to bed at 10p, or likes to get up at 6a.

From Norm I learned the goodness in a piece of toast, the value of a great afternoon nap, and the imperative of being ‘in the moment’ as one of life’s greatest rewards.  Each sunrise, each meal, each fish caught, each eagle or loon sighting – all amazing to him.

The lesson to take here is to live one step at a time.  At work, at play, at home – don’t think too far ahead on your “to do” list.  When you’re out walking the dog, don’t worry so much about what’s for dinner.  You may miss a blue heron in flight.  Trade off that beauty – in the moment. When you’re in a meeting listening to someone update you on their goals for the year, don’t be focused on the project waiting in your office.  Trade off the energy of the person in the meeting. You get the idea.

Norm died earlier this year.  He will be missed by all who knew him.  Especially his Canada fishing buddies.  The legacy of ‘in the moment’ is forever part of me.

Thanks, Norm.

 

 

Joe Raasch :: May.04.2007 :: Employee Engagement, Life :: 14 Comments »