Growing up, my dad wasn’t what you’d call a fisherman — at least, not in the traditional sense. But a few times a year, he’d gather our family together, pack up the tackle box, and head to a local fishing spot. The first few times we went, I hated it. It was too early in the morning; there was always too much to learn. Plus, there were things that felt so uncomfortable, like sticking my hands in a bucket of slimy minnows or trying to get a hook out of a wriggling fish, that made me want to run back to bed. But something shifted as we kept going. I began to realize that the real reason my dad took us fishing wasn’t just to catch fish. It was about the experience, the drive to the lake, the quiet moments of waiting, and the conversations that happened while we watched the water. Even when we didn’t catch anything, there was this sense of connection, presence, and peace. And on the drive home, even though we were often tired and sunburned, my dad was so happy that he’d created an experience for us. That joy was the real catch. Years later, I find myself thinking of manifesting in terms of fishing. Manifesting, setting an intention, and aligning with it aren’t about forcing an outcome or always getting what you want right away. It’s about preparing your equipment (your mind, your beliefs, your energy) and putting yourself in the right place (the environment where opportunities can find you). It’s about casting your line, setting your intention, and then relaxing into a state of active, curious awareness. Just like fishing, there’s a time to wait and watch — to trust that things are happening beneath the surface, even if you can’t see them yet. And when the nibble comes, that little sign that your manifestation is close, you set the hook, commit to your dream, and bring it in with confidence. And just like my dad taught me, sometimes you catch and release; you catch the vision, the insight, the opportunity, and then you let go of the expectation or the attachment, trusting that the next catch is already on its way.