3 Reasons to View Life Like a Game

I have a good friend named Robin who's a Unity minister. She's a dynamic speaker and a riveting storyteller.

Reverend Robin has a knack for tying metaphysical concepts with everyday reality and infusing them with heart and humor.

One of her sermons -- that really stuck with me -- was a story in which she likened life to a game.

So, play with me here for a minute.

Imagine if you will, that life really is a game.

We choose our player and then embark onto the board.

Sometimes we get a good break (we skip three spaces) and sometimes we have to go backward (or worse to jail!) Maybe we meet a partner, have a child, buy a car, lose a job, go back to school, fall into bankruptcy, get sick...

But inevitably, whatever new adventure life throws at us, we have to continue playing.

We can't give up.

The phrase Reverend Robin kept repeating was, "nevertheless, I am willing."

• Willing to play
• Willing to move ahead
• Willing to get through the adversity
• Willing to open up to life
• Willing to embrace change
• Willing to invite in miracles

When we think about life as a game it:

1.Provides Space

Sometimes life can feel oppressive, heavy or burdensome. When we shift into thinking about life as a game, it gives us more objectivity.

It's like a bird's view.

We see the whole board -- where we've come from and where we're going -- rather than simply seeing the catastrophe of the moment (a stain on my new blouse, bills piling up, cracking my cellphone, breaking my ankle).

We can view the momentary set back for what it is, not life threatening or shattering, just a small bump in the road.

Being objective can also help us move on to our next goal more easily.

2.Allows for Relaxation

When I see life as a game, suddenly every decision I make doesn't feel quite so fraught. It's more like a turn down a wrong street that may take me 10 minutes longer but shows me an exciting new view.

Nothing actually feels quite so dire. After all, it's just "Monopoly money."

We often stress over decisions and the worry about making a wrong one. But here's the thing, we simply have to choose. And if it turns out to be wrong, make a new decision!

When we can relax about our decisions, we allow ourselves to move more into the flow. This is when we invite in our intuition and that always helps us make better decisions!

3.Is more FUN

I know that I can take life WAY too seriously and then I get caught in that grouchy head space where everything feels wrong, hard or difficult. Instead, I have to re-orient myself back to purpose.

What is the purpose of my life?

What is the purpose of a game?

Some would say to win. Some would say to have fun. Some would say to spend time with others.

When I think about life as a game, it reminds me that my ultimate goal here is happiness. Games are fun and fun makes me laugh and smile and feel happy.

Seeing life as a game reorients me back to my purpose. And as happiness guru Robert Holden reminds us, "your happiness is your gift to the world."

I wish to live my life with a smile on my face, with lightness in my heart and with an eye for strategy. Because this game of life is meant to be lived, savored and enjoyed.

So, what do you say? Nevertheless, are you willing?

Shakti Sutriasa is the Founder of DecideDifferently.com, offering life coaching, counseling and workshops that combine modern psychology and spirituality. Shakti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has an MA in Education. To learn more Click Here

Reference for Robert Holden quote: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/670111