By Mitchell Seaworth
There are some places that feel like more than just a dot on a map. For me, that place is the lake. It’s where I spent my summers growing up, and where I still return whenever I get the chance. No matter how busy life gets—between coaching, work, photography, and everything else—I always find time to head back to the water. The lake has a way of touching my heart, grounding me, and reminding me of what really matters.
It’s not just about fishing or bonfires or quiet mornings on the dock. It’s about the memories, the people, and the simple moments that seem to matter more the older I get. The lake is where I learned patience, where I found peace, and where I built some of the strongest relationships in my life. It will always feel like home.
Hooked Early: My Lifelong Love for Fishing
Some of my earliest memories involve fishing—tiny rod in hand, feet dangling off the dock, waiting for a tug on the line. I was only about three years old when I first started, but from that point on, I was hooked. Literally and figuratively.
Fishing taught me a lot. It taught me how to be still and pay attention. It taught me that good things take time. And it gave me the chance to spend uninterrupted hours with the people I care about. My family and I would spend full days on the water—some days catching plenty, other days catching nothing—but we were together, and that’s what mattered.
Even now, I still look forward to those early mornings, with cool air on my face and a fishing rod in hand. Whether I’m fishing solo or with friends or family, it’s never just about the fish. It’s about disconnecting from the noise and reconnecting with myself and the world around me.
Flames and Friendship: The Bonfire Tradition
If fishing is about patience, then bonfires are about connection. There’s something timeless about sitting around a fire—telling stories, roasting marshmallows, or just watching the flames dance in silence. At the lake, the fire becomes the centerpiece of the evening. It’s where we gather after a long day, where laughter echoes into the night, and where new memories are made.
I can’t count the number of nights I’ve spent by the fire with family and friends. Sometimes we talk about old times, sometimes we dream about what’s ahead, and sometimes we sit in comfortable silence, letting the crackling wood do all the talking. Those moments remind me that the best conversations often happen when you’re not trying too hard—just sitting with people you trust, under the stars, with the firelight flickering across familiar faces.
The People Make the Place
The lake wouldn’t mean as much to me without the people I share it with. Over the years, it’s been the backdrop for family gatherings, fishing trips with buddies, and weekend getaways that turn into lifelong traditions. There’s something about being up there that brings people closer. Maybe it’s the slower pace, the shared activities, or just the escape from everyday stress—but walls come down at the lake. Everyone relaxes a little more. Laughs a little louder. Listens a little better.
I’ve seen friendships deepen and family bonds grow stronger out there. It’s the kind of place where generations can come together—where grandfathers teach grandkids how to bait a hook, and where siblings reconnect over a late-night board game or boat ride. The lake creates space for those moments to happen naturally, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
A Place to Recharge and Reflect
In a world that moves fast, the lake gives me space to slow down. It’s where I go to recharge—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Whether I’m casting a line, taking photos of a sunset, or just sitting on the dock watching the ripples, I always leave feeling more grounded.
The lake gives me perspective. It reminds me that life doesn’t have to be so complicated. That happiness can come from a quiet moment, a cool breeze, or a shared laugh. That the best days aren’t always the ones packed full of plans, but the ones where you let the day unfold naturally.
When I’m up at the lake, I’m not checking my phone every few minutes. I’m not thinking about what’s next. I’m just there—fully present, soaking it in. And those moments of presence are what keep me going when life gets busy.
Why It Will Always Feel Like Home
Home isn’t just where you live. It’s where you feel most like yourself. And for me, that place will always be the lake. It’s where I’ve grown up, where I’ve learned lessons, and where I’ve felt the most peace. It’s given me memories I’ll carry forever, and it continues to offer new ones every time I return.
Whether I’m fishing at sunrise, sharing stories by the fire, or just breathing in the fresh air, the lake gives me a sense of belonging I haven’t found anywhere else. It’s more than a place—it’s a feeling. And no matter where life takes me, I know I’ll always come back.
Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like the lake.