A young boy once asked his fisherman father,
“Papa, is it okay to share my dreams and goals with others?”
The father paused thoughtfully and replied,
“Why do you ask, my son?”
The boy explained,
“Well, Papa, I have so many big dreams—dreams of making an impact in every area of life and inspiring my generation. But I’m unsure if I should share these dreams or keep them to myself.”
The father smiled gently and said,
“Let’s go fishing, my boy. While we’re at the river, we can talk more about this.”
They gathered their fishing gear and headed to the river. Once there, they baited their hooks and cast their lines. After a few hours, their basket was nearly full of fish. The father stopped, pointed at the basket, and said,
“Look at all these fish we’ve caught. Each one was hooked and taken from the river. They’ve lost everything—their home, their families, and their freedom. Their fate is now sealed. Some will be fried, others grilled, steamed, or baked. Their end will not be a kind one. Do you know why these fish must face such misfortune?”
The boy thought for a moment and then shook his head.
“No, Papa. Please tell me.”
The fisherman sighed and said,
“It’s because they couldn’t keep their mouths closed. A fish that keeps its mouth shut never gets caught.”
He gently placed a hand on his son’s shoulder and added,
“Son, life is no different. Many people lose their way or face unnecessary hardship because they speak too much, revealing their plans and dreams to the wrong people. Sometimes, it’s best to keep your dreams close to your heart and work on them quietly until they’re ready to be shared.”
The boy nodded, his father’s wisdom sinking in deeply.