Beyond the Cast

Tag: life

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    What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

    The Most Important Things for a Good Life

    In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, chase more, and worry about things far outside of our control, we often lose sight of what truly matters. The truth is, a good life isn’t built on how much we accumulate, how many followers we gain, or how fast we move—it’s built on how deeply we live, how well we love, and how easily we let go.

    Letting go has become one of the most important skills I’ve learned. Letting go of things that don’t serve you, of stress you didn’t ask for, of expectations you never agreed to carry. Life gets lighter when you stop clinging to outcomes and allow yourself to simply be. Most of the things we stress about—the small annoyances, the passing criticisms, the unpredictable curveballs—don’t matter as much as we think they do. And the ones that do matter, we face best with a calm, steady heart.

    For me, living a good life means immersing myself in the things I truly love. Time with my family. A quiet morning walk with my camera slung over my shoulder. Wading into a cold, clear river with a fly rod in hand and the sun cresting over the trees. In those moments, I’m not chasing anything—I’m just in it. Present. Grounded. Whole.

    Nature has a way of reminding us that life keeps flowing, even when we’re not in control. The river doesn’t resist the rocks in its path—it moves around them, over them, reshapes them with time. That’s something I try to carry with me in everyday life. Don’t fight what’s out of your hands. Flow with it. Focus your energy on what brings you joy, meaning, and connection.

    Whether it’s photographing a wild landscape, laughing with loved ones, or feeling the tug of a fish on the line—these moments are where I find peace. They give me space to breathe, reflect, and reset.

    A good life isn’t perfect. It’s real. It’s messy, beautiful, full of little pauses that hold a lot of meaning if you’re paying attention. Let go of the noise. Lean into what you love. And when you find your peace, don’t let go of that.

    David Poole

  • Reflection

    Reflection

    An hourglass reminds me how fleeting time truly is. Each grain represents a moment passing — quiet, irreversible, and precious. It’s a simple but powerful symbol that urges me to slow down, live intentionally, and value the present before it slips away.

    Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about time. How fast it moves. How quietly it slips by while we’re busy—distracted, scrolling, rushing, chasing the next thing.

    I’ve been missing people I can’t call anymore. Pets that used to greet me at the door. Moments I didn’t realize were “the last” until they were already gone. And I think we all carry that—those little pieces of love and loss, tucked somewhere behind our day-to-day thoughts.

    But out in nature—on a trail, rod in hand, camera slung over my shoulder—it gets quiet. Not just around me, but in me. The noise fades. The expectations, the stress, the screens… all of it disappears behind the sound of wind through trees or water over rock.

    And in those moments, I feel peace. I feel connected to everything I’ve lost, and even more thankful for what I still have.

    Like quiet mornings with my wife—just the two of us, sharing coffee before the world wakes up. No rush, no plans, just simple presence. Those little moments mean everything. They’re grounding. They’re real.

    It reminds me to be more intentional with my time—to show up fully for my family, to listen deeper, to appreciate the now. Because we only get so many mornings, so many trails, so many shared cups of coffee.

    So I hike. I fish. I breathe it all in. I hold on to what matters. Because one day, these moments will be the memories we reach for—and I want mine to be full of peace, love, and presence.

    -David

  • Easter Reflection: A Quiet Holiday, Remembering Family, and Embracing Simpler Traditions

    Easter Reflection: A Quiet Holiday, Remembering Family, and Embracing Simpler Traditions

    By David Poole

    This Easter looked different for me. I spent the holiday working, far from home, and away from the usual Easter celebrations with family. It wasn’t the Easter of big gatherings, shared meals, and laughter—it was quieter, more reflective. Still, in that stillness, I found something meaningful.

    Working on Easter and Missing Family Traditions

    Spending Easter away from family gave me the space to think back to simpler times. I remembered childhood Easters—waking up to the smell of coffee and breakfast, searching for eggs in the yard, and spending the day surrounded by the people I love. Those memories are a reminder of what really matters during the holidays: connection, tradition, and time well spent.

    Remembering Loved Ones No Longer With Us

    As I reflected on past holidays, I thought of the family members who are no longer here. The holidays always bring their absence into sharper focus, but also their lasting influence. Their stories, warmth, and laughter still live in the traditions they helped create. Remembering them is part of keeping those memories alive.

    Spring Transition: A Natural Reminder of Renewal

    Even while working this Easter, I could feel the signs of the spring transition—green leaves emerging, wildflowers blooming, and longer daylight stretching across the day. Spring reminds us of change, renewal, and hope. It encourages us to pause and notice the beauty in the everyday.

    Continuing Family Traditions and Creating Meaningful Moments

    Being away from family made me think about the importance of keeping traditions alive—not only to honor the past but to create new memories for future generations. Whether it’s a simple meal, a walk outside, or telling stories from the past, these small moments become part of something much bigger.

    Living a Life Full of Meaning

    Holidays like Easter are a good reminder to slow down and live with intention. Even when we can’t be with family or celebrate the way we used to, we can still carry the meaning of those traditions in our hearts. It’s about creating a life full of meaning—one rooted in reflection, love, and simplicity.

    Easter can also be a time to reflect on personal growth, hope, and spiritual renewal

    Conclusion: Carrying Easter Forward in Simpler Ways

    Whether you’re working this Easter, spending it solo, or surrounded by family, take a moment to reflect. Think of the loved ones who shaped you, the traditions that bring comfort, and the fresh start that spring brings. We may not always celebrate the same way, but the heart of the holiday remains—connection, remembrance, and living a meaningful life.

    Wishing you all a season full of reflection, simplicity, and moments that truly matter.

    —David


    A long-haired desert rabbit rests quietly among the scrub brush, wildflowers, and cactus—perfectly camouflaged in the spring landscape of the Southwest