The tourist and the fisherman

We met a delightful guy this Tuesday who was equally excited by the Programme and the potential of aCREATIVEspace. He is successful, wealthy and very aware. He enjoyed the energy of the centre, exploring our history and thinking and even joined us for a bulletproof coffee. Eventually he asked the inevitable question. "Why aren't you more successful?"

This question always triggers me and puts me on the defensive. At that moment in time I was sitting in a place I love, with people I love, sharing intelligent, expansive and fascinating ideas. I felt sharp and alive ( I seriously love that coffee) and yet was being asked why I wasn't more successful.

The question was from a genuine spirit of inquiry and support, with a real desire to help, and yet it left me questioning myself. The very essence of what we believe in at aCREATIVEspace had somehow brought this guy to our Centre and yet I was left feeling that something had to change to make it work!

Maybe I lack ambition but until that question I felt pretty damned successful!

Of course from the disorienting labyrinth of Busting Loose I know that this guy doesn't really exist and I had only invented him to show myself some form of limitation. The questions he posed were valid and there is a real sense of expansion emerging from our discussion but it also reminded me that it is all just a game and the most potent weapon in that game is appreciation.

The thing I really took out of that day is what a brilliant business we have created. I am sure its future expression will be just as brilliant, whatever that may look like, but losing touch with that appreciation will only hamper its growth.

I am sure you are all familiar with the fable of The Tourist and the Mexican Fisherman . Whether our work expands or not I hope it involves many more days like Tuesday which is my version of the Mexican pier.

Why not come with us?

Bill

p.s. If all that sounds a little smug, the rest of the week sucked! But that's ok.