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Playing the game of life

  • Written by Eric North aka “The Happiness Warrior”

I’ve seen and experienced a great deal in my fifty-eight years. My thirst for reckless and dangerous endeavors in my youth has been somewhat tamed. I might be older, but I still have the same spark and I eagerly choose adventure and surprise. I will always have a gift to make things fun.

Every minute in life can teach us something and provide us with patience and fortitude. I’ve learned that experiences are heightened when we learn to stop fearing. Our path and the attitude we take are ours to choose. Why not choose to  think of life as a big game with endless possibilities and outcomes?

When I have a rare moment to look back on my life, I’m always renewed by memories of my many dangerous moments and risk taking escapades. I’ve experienced things that have brought me shocking moments of fear and also sublime moments of joy and happiness. I understand what serendipity means. I understand that every action can have great power. I know that I have no other choice than to play the game to win.

I’ve also been to some of the darkest places and times that one can live through. I know what it feels like to lose all hope. I know what it means to rise and reunite with the light from within. Life can be hard but in our reinvention we can find our salvation.

Pain and suffering are present in all of our lives but what if it’s just part of the game? We’re meant to move forward until we reach the end. Why not engage it with all of our powers and find both our purpose and greater happiness?

Sometimes I think I’ve seen it all and life takes another surprising turn. It’s the “game of life” and that’s how I see it. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, and our obstacles can multiply.  The game board is an open playing field stretched out before us. Which direction we choose can be our downfall or greatest victory. There are no set rules for anyone but there are morals and values which apply. These are the rules we can follow in order to ensure that we win:

1.       We need to recognize that the outcomes in our life are a mirror or our own thoughts and actions. Words have spirit!

2.       We must make our own choices or someone else will choose for us.

3.       Intention is the basis for life’s momentum and purpose.

4.       Practice a better every day approach to life. We are always learning and acquiring wisdom.

5.       We must take accountability for our actions and learn without blaming others and making excuses.

6.       Always approach life with a curious mind and readily accept change.

7.       The game must be fun, what’s the point of life if we take everything so seriously. As humans’ life has a tendency to ebb and flow.

8.       Connect with the energy of the universe and inner voice to make decisions.

9.       Be open to new ideas, viewpoints, and opinions.

10.   Be open to new opportunities and react with ease of mind.

PLAY IT WITH SKILL

The game is more rewarding when we play it with skill and know in our hearts that we will always do the right thing. There are only two choices in anything in life which one will raise our vibration? We always do better when our personal choices have integrity and provide value to ourselves and others. Life is never a lone pursuit. We must build teams that give us purpose and strength.

I can almost remember the moment exactly, many years ago. The day I let go of my deepest fears in life and began to trust and let the universe guide me. It’s when I began to see life as a great game with all of its paths and choices before me. My mindset changed from a lifelong battle of defensiveness to an open landscape before me. So much of my energy had been extinguished with fighting the true warrior I kept hidden within.

I’ve always believed that the hardest battle most of us face in life is the fight to be who we are. It can be deeply internalized and societal, but most of the time we’re encouraged to stay quiet and unseen. We are told that being different is part of the as of yet unidentified problem.

Authenticity is ours alone to develop and nurture. Our truths can be painful at times, but the game of life helps to see our lives with empathy and forgiveness. When we stop dwelling in the past, only the present matters. We can choose to stop fighting our nature and explore our unique identity.  Nothing is more important than the root of our truths and passions. We are here to achieve greatness in our lives and nothing else matters.

STRATEGY

Whether we fight it or not, but the path ahead for all of us contains personal growth. Change is always moving forward and the way we flow with the energy of the universe is how we create happier lives with better choices and opportunities. Maintain and develop a “ready for anything” mindset and feel the happiness that comes from within when we are manifesting with purpose and joy.

Stop making life harder than it needs to be and learn to trust your instinct or inner voice. All knowledge comes from within a truth that we often find hard to believe in. Trust in yourself and follow your word and life will become less chaotic and confusing.  Be mindful and heed to these guides:

1.       Don’t let anticipation of an imaginary future event harm your success.

2.       Stop letting the past define who you are. We exist in the present and that’s all that matters.

3.       Let go of the ego and the need to be right. Stop, listen, learn, refocus, and realize that we never know what anyone else is really thinking or why.

4.       Focus on your blessings instead of your failures. We’re all imperfect in one way or another.

5.       Stop overthinking and shift to manifestation.

EMPATHY AND KINDNESS ARE WINNING

As with anything in life the goal for winning should always be the path that creates the least damage, chaos, and leaves a small footprint. When we consciously move lightly and gracefully through the world, and we find our journey to be more meaningful. It’s thinking about not just ourselves but the knowing that our actions further the common good.

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED

A great life is a powerful combination of feelings, habits, and mindset that propels us through life with momentum and a strong sense of purpose. It’s intentional and self-actualized. It’s the virtuous activities that we do without thinking, the way we accept others, and the way we see ourselves. We can win at anything when we are aware and connected with the forces that guide us. We can be balanced and fulfilled with lives of personal growth, positive relationships in synergy with purpose and action.

How we value and love ourselves is the ultimate prize on any journey. Wisdom is accumulated and we create greater self-awareness and feelings of worth. Think of how far we’ve come and how far we’ve yet to go.

The possibilities are endless when we play the game in our truth. It’s only in our authenticity that we most shine.


ERIC NORTH - The Happiness Warrior

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