The Game of Life

In quiet moments when I am just hanging out, or taking a break, I resort to social media. I can mindlessly scroll for hours.

It annoys me. And yet…I continue to participate. I rarely post. Once in awhile, I’ll share a photo or two — but that’s mainly because I just want to have it “on record” for myself more than anything. But other than that, I spend my time looking at others’ photos, or watching videos on animal rescues…It’s an absolute time stealer and I admire those who refuse to engage.

Last night, just before I turned the lights off, I scrolled through social media. And there, at the forefront, was a photo that triggered me. I’ll spare the details as it isn’t something I care to share with the world…but suffice it to say, this photo that was shared in total innocence sent me over the edge. I tossed and turned and mentally fumed for quite some time, begging my mind to just “stop going there.”

It was a great reminder as to why I need to refrain from social media. My life here in Texas is neatly packaged and tied up with a bow. I have no need to know what goes on in other places, especially regarding matters that I cannot control. Especially when well-meaning photos cause me to crash and burn. And especially when I could be doing other things with my time that would be far more profitable.

I read once that life is a game and we have to learn how to play it in order to maintain happiness and peace of mind. I found that statement intriguing, namely because I am a game-lover. I could play for hours. And so, I have adopted “tricks” in my life (so to speak) that help me maintain balance and happiness and joy.

I have learned that when I start my morning with gratitude my day is propelled forward in a positive manner. Before I get out of bed, I consider five things I am grateful for: thank you for a brand new slate, a brand new day, that it’s hump day today, for these brand new sheets from Sam’s Club that we’ve needed for literally years, for the promise of fall…

I have learned to collect “joy points” throughout my day. Joy points are something I learned about when I worked through the Emotional Brain Training program with my wonderful friend, Jacque. Joy points don’t cost money and don’t involve food or drink. They are simple ways to bring a quick burst of joy: playing ball with Piper on the back porch, watching the sun set, smelling a flower, breathing in deeply and smiling, taking a hot bath, saying something nice to myself, reading an inspirational quote… I have a list of over 50 ways to collect quick joy points that I made years ago. You should try it - it works!

I have learned to talk kindly to myself when I mess up. And folks, I mess up a lot. I give myself plenty of reason to berate myself. But my thoughts have changed over the years and I’ve learned that when I like me, and when I’m kind to me, the world is a much kinder place to live.

I have learned that when pain comes my way, feel it. I get through it much faster if I allow the pain to wash over me, engulf me, encapsulate me. 

And last of all, I have learned to end my day with gratitude — the same way I began it. Many years ago — when we lived in Missouri, I was in a church service and the speaker challenged us to write down five things we were grateful for at the end of each day. And so I began that practice and I have kept it now for years. Even on bad days when nothing seems to go right we can find room for gratefulness: thank you that I didn’t kill Jace today, that my pantry is stocked, that I had the money to fill up gas tank, that my kitty Sadie snuggled up on my lap, that the sky lit up with brilliant hues of pinks and gold this evening while I soaked in the sunset from my porch…

And now I shall add a #6 to this list of strategies for playing the game of life: eliminate social media. 

I feel happier already.