"I think it's time for me to get out, because at the moment I'm only thinking about fishing 21 hours a day, and they're the waking moments. And even when I close my eyes I'm thinking about it"

Rex Hunt’s reflection offers a candid glimpse into the intensity of personal passion and its impact on daily life. Hunt, a legendary Australian fisherman and TV personality, addresses a point where his love for fishing has become all-consuming, occupying nearly every hour of his day. The specificity, “21 hours a day”, is almost hyperbolic, illustrating that, with the exception of fleeting moments of rest or sleep, he is entirely absorbed in the subject. His waking life revolves around fishing, and even his dreams are not free from it.

This confession suggests that his dedication has perhaps crossed a line from rewarding enthusiasm into overwhelming obsession. There’s an undercurrent of both humor and seriousness in his words. The tone is light-hearted, but the content hints at the exhaustion that comes from allowing a single pursuit to saturate one's life so fully. When Hunt mentions thinking of fishing even as he closes his eyes, it speaks to a mind unable to find reprieve, a clear signal that his passion, while joyful, may also be suffocating.

Such single-minded obsession can be exhilarating, especially for those lucky enough to earn a living from what they love. Yet, Hunt acknowledges a need for balance. Despite the gratitude and exhilaration that comes with living out his passion, there is an implicit understanding that stepping away is healthy and necessary. Admitting it is “time for me to get out” is not a surrender, but an act of wisdom, recognizing that every passion, untempered, can become burdensome.

Hunt’s words are a testament to the double-edged nature of devotion. True passion brings meaning, excitement, and fulfillment, but for long-term well-being, even the most cherished pursuits cannot eclipse all other aspects of life. He beautifully articulates the moment when passion demands pause, for one’s own peace of mind.