I’ve been conceptualizing life as a game lately, more so than ever before.
In games there are rules, some of them absolute, others arbitrary and made up. There are relationships, both to the environment of the game and the other players. Perhaps most importantly, the most rewarding part of the game is not the end, but in the playing.
The end signifies the game being over, a moving on with uncertainty afterwards. To focus on the end or a specific benchmark in totality would be foolish. The important part is what’s happening right now.
In life, it’s easy to be too idealistic about the game & board you’re playing on. If circumstances don’t line up with you ideal conception of reality you can opt-out. Refuse to play. Sit on the sidelines with the hope that the “right” game will come around.
The fact is, there is no perfect game, and it’s foolish to look for it. The thrill of the game is learning the rules & constraints, getting to know the players you’re playing with, and finding out how to unlock the fun within.
This metaphor is meandering, but the point to be made (mostly to myself) is this: be wary of being overly idealistic of the circumstances you’re in. Life is a game best played with zeal. There’s little to be gained from sitting on the sidelines.
With love,
Justin