This series of posts will share more information about each paragraph in the summarized version of, A Fisherman's Freedom Philosophy posted on the home page of this website and in the 2022 Natural Art Freedom Calendar. Feel free to make a comment or ask questions. Please be polite.
"Traveling across America talking with people from all walks of life about ways we could preserve our freedom to fish and access seafood from public waters was an eye-opening experience. There were pleasant surprises as well as disappointing moments during interactions with people who should have been nicer and some, I had no idea what to expect. Spending time with Middle Easterners for the first time was inspiring as they seemed to understand the importance of freedom in a way many others did not. I will never forget this guy with a big smile and sparkle in his eye emphatically telling me to never stop fighting for freedom. Meeting so many different people confirmed that being equally respectful to everyone was the best approach. Respect is universally appreciated and usually reciprocal."
Showing respect is not always easy. What if someone is being disrespectful to us? Should we treat them the same way or start out being respectful and continue regardless of their actions? Being the first to show respect sets the tone for most interactions. Some people are going to be rude and disrespectful no matter what we do. It is usually best to limit the amount of time you spend around toxic personalities. There also times our respectful words and actions can help change the attitude of somebody having a bad day. We can take comfort in knowing we have done the right thing regardless of how it is received or returned.
"Traveling across America talking with people from all walks of life about ways we could preserve our freedom to fish and access seafood from public waters was an eye-opening experience. There were pleasant surprises as well as disappointing moments during interactions with people who should have been nicer and some, I had no idea what to expect. Spending time with Middle Easterners for the first time was inspiring as they seemed to understand the importance of freedom in a way many others did not. I will never forget this guy with a big smile and sparkle in his eye emphatically telling me to never stop fighting for freedom. Meeting so many different people confirmed that being equally respectful to everyone was the best approach. Respect is universally appreciated and usually reciprocal."
Showing respect is not always easy. What if someone is being disrespectful to us? Should we treat them the same way or start out being respectful and continue regardless of their actions? Being the first to show respect sets the tone for most interactions. Some people are going to be rude and disrespectful no matter what we do. It is usually best to limit the amount of time you spend around toxic personalities. There also times our respectful words and actions can help change the attitude of somebody having a bad day. We can take comfort in knowing we have done the right thing regardless of how it is received or returned.