Remember that fable about the Ant and the Grasshopper?
The moral is all wrong.
The ant: working relentlessly, storing food, preparing for winter.
The grasshopper: dancing, singing, living in the moment.
Winter comes.
The ant survives.
The grasshopper suffers badly.
Lesson here: Be the ant.
Ehhhhhh…..wait up…..uncomfortable question:
“When does the ant get to have some fun?”
Most modern ants already have enough food for ten winters. 😉
Yet they keep gathering.
Keep storing.
Keep preparing.
For what exactly?
“Let me just do……
• One more project
• One more deal
• One more promotion
• One more zero in the bank account”
Always one more…
Before actually living.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
We’ve turned from carefully planning ants into compulsive hoarders.
“I’ll travel when…”
“I’ll spend time with family after…”
“I’ll start living once…”
But when?
When is enough actually enough?
Sure, the grasshopper’s approach is unsustainable.
But so is perpetual postponement of life.
Let me share something personal:
In 2009, we made one crucial decision:
The way we make money would support our life,
Not the other way around.
Result?
Over a decade of:
• Global travel
• Rich experiences
• Deep connections
• Unforgettable memories
• Present parenting
Best decision we ever made.
Because here’s what we learned:
Life isn’t about choosing between the ant and the grasshopper.
It’s about being wise enough to know:
• When you have enough
• When to keep building
• When to start living
The real wisdom lies in balance:
• Build wealth without sacrificing health
• Create security while embracing adventure
• Plan for tomorrow while savoring today
Recognize when your burrow is full enough.
That pivot point.
That’s not the end point.
That’s the starting line of a fuller life.
Because life isn’t waiting for you to finish preparing.
It’s happening right now.
In this moment.
Winter will come. Sure.
Make sure you have stories to tell when it does.
–
PS: About the picture: Making memories with my 17-year-old daughter in Dubai earlier this year.
The answer to the question:
´Lifetime memories with your daughter´ or ´a couple of extra numbers on a screen´ is an absolute no-brainer to me.
Life = Memories. Agree?
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