Man, not sure how it showed up here, but I can relate to this piece. I spent some time unexpectedly unemployed in the same regional area, and fishing was my esc

Man, not sure how it showed up here, but I can relate to this piece. I spent some time unexpectedly unemployed in the same regional area, and fishing was my escape hatch too. It was outdoors, physical, and cheap. It was art and science, and a moment where skill and control could lead to accomplishment. It was solitude, and a moment away from the internal stress of thinking of what you were going to do next, how you were going to cover bills, or even worse; talking to wife/parents/friends about those same things. In the end I was fine, and in some ways I am grateful for that time. It gave me a healthy dose of perspective, and a certain amount of self confidence that I now know how to find additional work/clients if I need to. Getting knocked down sucks, but looking back after a successful climb back up is something I wish everyone could experience.