Life Lessons Learned from Scrabble

We played a 5-player game of Scrabble the other night. This was the first time our youngest, Jack (8 yrs old) had ever played.

As you can imagine, Mommy and Daddy would take turns helping him.

Around and around the board we go and Jack eventually began to anticipate his next move…and then it happened —

His sister (really circumstance) “stole” his next move. She used a letter next to the one that Jack was planning to build his next word from.

Being 8, he was terribly upset, spouting how “unfair” his circumstance was turning out. There were still 2 more players before his turn.

While we waited, I spied a way for Jack to get even more points, but he was too upset and fixated on what he “lost” to listen.

I kept trying to show him the opportunity in front of him — but my words were not cutting through his distress.

After several minutes, Jack began to listen although still skeptical.

How could this new opportunity possibly be better than the one he had already planned?

Nonetheless, I persisted and showed him how he could make not just 1 word but 2 instead.

I showed him how he could adapt when the “game” shifted and then move in a new direction where he could not only survive but prosper.

And that’s when it occurred to me…Scrabble was teaching life lessons.

Lessons we need to be reminded of like —

1) Life happens when we are busy making other plans.

2) Sometimes the rug is pulled out from under us through no fault of our own.

3) Resilience helps us to adapt.

4) Shifting our perceptions away from loss helps us to see opportunities.

So I ask you — Where are the opportunities around you right now?

Can’t see any? Work on calming the lizard brain and then look up and around.

Step outside of the box you have painted yourself into and ask — How can I see my circumstances differently?

Play with the universe. Ponder what may seem like fantastical “what if’s” and see where it takes you. Unbind your mind from the prison on your current reality.

Take the time to reflect and connect with yourself. Listen in the silence. 😊
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So, what words did Jack make?

Wipers & the “s” also gave him points for Gowns as well. 😊

Until next time, many blessings and much peace 💕