Most people, at some point in their life, will have a goldfish. Whether it's their first pet as a child, or a present on college move in day. No matter how it comes into your life, it inevitably will. At first, it's exciting to have a new pet, and one that's easy to take care of, but eventually, you will end up forgetting about it, or it will become so routine to feed or clean it, that you will go about your life without really thinking about it. It's understandable. That small, rather dumb, creature that swims in circles all day doesn't seem to matter. However, goldfish can teach us important life lessons that are valuable at any age.
1. Enjoy the simple things.
Goldfish seem pretty satisfied with their minimal surroundings. They don't need fancy rocks or a castle to be happy. So why can't we be the same way? Ditch the materialistic lifestyle, and try to enjoy the simple things for a while.
2. Don't forget to eat.
Especially as a child, or a busy college student, remembering to feed your small pet isn't top priority. But if they don't eat, they don't live, and many people struggle with this concept every day. Make sure you're taking time out of your busy day to care for yourself as well.
3. A clean bowl is a happy bowl.
Nobody wants to swim in their own filth. That's why many people prefer showering over bathing. So why do we let our dorms, homes, or bedrooms get so cluttered and messy? It's the same concept, and it's time to take that idea seriously.
4. Take time to relax.
These days it seems like it's a lot of go go go, and there isn't a lot of time to simply relax. But when you look over at your little goldfish, casually swimming through his tank, remember to take some time to do the same.
5. Floating is not the same as swimming.
A floating fish is a dead fish. The same is true for us. If you are simply going through life, not really bothering to do anything, or put in a lot of effort, you aren't living. It's easy to change that! Go out and do something different, try something new, or put in a bit more effort in your work!
6. Things will build up!
If you don't clean your fish's tank, eventually you are going to start to see the muck build up. The rocks will get grungy, the sides will be full of algae and mold, and your fish will be unhappy. Think about your emotions like the fish tank. If you let them build up without taking care of them, eventually it's just going to be a mess and harder to take care of.
7. Remember to value what you have.
Some goldfish live for years. Some don't make it in the car ride home. Either way, it will most likely eventually be flushed to the great fish bowl in the sky. Sure, it was just a goldfish, but you'll probably miss the little guy, and wish you had paid more attention to him or taken a bit more care of him. Don't let yourself feel the same regret with the important people in your life.
8. Being alone doesn't mean being lonely.
Sometimes you may think your goldfish is lonely, but think about it. All that space! All that food! Not having to share with anyone? That sounds awesome. You don't have to be surrounded by other people to be happy. Sometimes it's better to take some "you" time, and just focus on what you need. Maybe even treat yourself.
9. Cut out the negative people in your life.
Have you heard of Beta fish? Do you think your goldfish wants to be in the same tank as a Beta fish? Heck no! And you probably wouldn't put them together because of it. So why do we continue to keep our "Beta fish" friends around? Are they really our friends? It's time to give them their own tank.
10. Change can be good!
While you're fish probably doesn't care that much, grey rocks can get pretty boring, even if you are just watching. So maybe you'll spruce up the tank with a small plant, or some bright gems. Do the same with your life. If you find yourself sinking into the same old day to day, try changing things up a bit. It doesn't have to be a big change, just a little something to brighten up your life.
11. Just keep swimming.
While this may have technically come from "Finding Nemo," it's still an important lesson. Sometimes life gets you down, and you just want to give up. But remember your little fish friends, and keep pushing through because eventually you are going to get through it. And it will be worth it.
All of these things are important for our life, and the lives of those around us. Even if we don't realize it, our little ten cent goldfish is helping us remember these lessons. So the next time you look at the swimming companion on your shelf, remember that while you are taking care of your pet, you should also take care of yourself.
