Going Backwards.
Every good game involves some form of going backwards. Whether it’s “Lose a Turn, Go Back 3 Spaces, or Go to Jail”, the element of having to go back adds to the excitement of the game.
The classic game of checkers starts you off losing men almost as soon as you start. Sometimes the games have variations of going backwards. In Scrabble, you might have to make due with some lousy letters and if you pick the letter Q, your life changes. In another game, your battleship gets hit and sinks.
So, why do people becomes so discouraged when they take temporary steps backwards in life? Maybe they are taking it too seriously. We’ve all played with the people who whine from the beginning and want to quit when they lose the roll of the dice to go first.
Life is either a game or a monotonous cow pasture, depending on your attitude. Chill. Just enjoy the game!! If you are in jail, patiently wait your three turns. If you just lost your Knight, rethink your strategy. If you have to pay each player $50, do it with panache!!
Maybe you are going backwards right now. That’s alright – at least you are going! Going is an action verb. At least, something is happening. You are alive and playing the game! What are the options? Death or TV.
Keep the rhino attitude – play with the desire to win, but don’t let misfortune turn you into a complaining cow. Appreciate the twists of fate. The mystery is what makes life magical. Life is fun, if you make it fun. Advance Token to whatever dreams you have and keep charging!!! Scott Alexander
Take a chance! You will never win, if you don't play!
Copyright 2010 by Scott Alexander
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Great food for thought Scott as we enter the new year! Thank you!
“Large and in charge!!!”
Panache ! eh ! Love it ! i think we could do everything with Panache,i’m taking a chance! i’m charging over to New York tonight and i’ll let you know if i win, but whatever happen’s you can be assured i will be doing it with PANACHE !!! love love love Hxxx
Helen, you are the Queen of Panache! Advance Token to New York City and have an adventure!! Happy New Year!
Lordy, Scott, this past year, my dice seems to keep rollin’ off the game board…but, like you wrote, at least it’s movin’, lol! Luv how you put the rethinking dreams and strategy, and luv how I’ve got some good friends to party with as we sit out our three turns in jail. Nothin’ like a good, ol’ fashioned jailhouse party, whooppee!!!
Robyn, you are obviously an enthusiastic dice thrower – that always buys time! Yeah, Jailhouse Rock!!
love the question…what are your options death or tv…. and i might add tv as u and i well know will kill ya.. I always enjoy your blog…. ty L.
Thank you, Leslie! Yeah, TV is the Electronic Income Reducer.