Life Coaching Tip: Consider the example of a hungry Great Blue Heron when focusing on your goals. Visualize its steadfast concentration and assertive energy as it unapologetically goes for what it desires. The Great Blue Heron in this story sometimes snatches fish right off its fisher pal’s line—so fast that the fisher doesn’t even see it coming!
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My husband, Jerry, and I like to take leisurely walks on Sundays and explore new areas along the lake. On one gorgeous July evening, we strolled along the beach at Fairport Harbor and then went out onto the fishing pier for an expansive view of the sunset.
As we climbed onto the pier, I spotted a Great Blue Heron standing in the weeds—as still as could be—right next to a group of people fishing. I didn’t think the bird was real at first because it was so statuesque and was standing seemingly too close to the anglers on the pier. But a fella who was fishing nearby assured us that the heron was the real deal, and he introduced us to the young bird who had been his fishing buddy all summer long.
It was endearing to hear how fondly this fisher spoke of the heron, especially after learning the bird was not a polite fishing buddy at all—but rather a thief!
The fisher told us that the heron sometimes snatched fish right off his line, often so fast that he didn’t see it coming. He said while the heron would typically hover over the water and fish for its prey, occasionally it would just stand in one place and brazenly steal his catch.
The fisher spoke of the heron’s ornery behavior more in admiration than irritation, and he laughed when he described how the bird was able to gracefully navigate over and under his line, never getting snagged.
The fisher seemed to respect the bird’s moxie so much that he was willing to generously share his catch with him.
I’ve occasionally thought of that badass Great Blue Heron since meeting it that evening, and I’ve considered how we could all benefit from its example when reaching for big goals.
Of course, this includes me! I like to visualize its unwavering focus and confidence as it audaciously goes for what it wants.
Thanks to that bold bird, one of my favorite mantras to repeat is: “I’m on it like a hungry heron!”
If it sounds inspiring to you, too, feel free to borrow it, my friend!
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