Like to fish? Like to hunt? Do you garden? Are you a busy parent? Maybe you’re a rock star student or an athlete. Or, maybe you’re the glue that holds so many things and people together.
No matter what arena you are in you, whether you realize it or not, you have developed a mental toolkit specifically for the challenges you face. Just like fishing, hunting or gardening each have a tackle box, gear and equipment that suit not only those particular endeavors, the tools within also are a reflection of the strategies and philosophies of the person who is pursuing those passions.
I enjoy fishing. I was introduced to it at a very early age by my mother. She was amazing. She was always catching really large catfish. Her fishing stories still captivate me to this day. Stories of how she an my aunt hung into fish so big that they would move the boat. Fish they were unable to reel in. My great grandfather caught a catfish so big there is a picture of him with the great fish stretched out across a tree limb. He also did commercial fishing to support his family. One of my brothers is an incredible bass fisherman. He landed a 13 lb. large mouth.
With such a rich and significant history of this sport one would think I would carry tried and true skills to land some really great fish. However, this is not the case with me in spite of how much I enjoy a day on the lake with rod and reel in hand.
Right now, if you were to look in my garage and unearth my “tackle box” you would likely find rusty hooks, melted plastic worms, gummed up pliers, and some rancid fish attractant spray. Yet, if someone asked me to go fishing I’d grab it up and hasten to the water to enjoy good company and the thrill of the catch.
But, how successful would I be with the tackle box I have? It’s true that I have spent time and money and gathered advice and opinions on the contents inside. There has been investment. You would think that investment would be the making for a successful and well equipped fishing trip right? The problem is that investment was made years ago. My tackle box needs some serious updates.
In thinking about how we equip ourselves to live the lives we have I wonder how many could say their tackle box, their mental tool kit for life needs some serious updates?
It’s not as though investments haven’t been made. But, how long ago? Are the tools inside rusty? Sadly, what worked 5 years ago may not work today.
Life is ever-changing. Our emotional needs change. Our physical needs change. Our environment changes.
Today, I want to prompt you to ask yourself these questions. What tools do I need to reexamine? Are my coping strategies up to date? Am I living and experiencing the best me I can be? Am I impacting my environment in a positive way or am I just phoning it in using what I learned many years ago?
Invest in yourself. Love yourself enough to gather the best tools to live your best life. You are worth it and your mental health will thank you for it.
The Catalyst 
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