Life Is a Game, But We Have to Play It...

Life often feels like an unpredictable ride. 

Full of surprises, setbacks, and sudden opportunities.
But what if we saw life through a different lens.
Not as a struggle or a mystery, but as a game? 
When we begin to see life as a game, we also begin to reclaim a sense of enjoyment.
The obstacles don’t disappear, but the way we engage with them transforms.
And we realise that whether we like it or not, we have to play.

One with rules, challenges, teammates, goals, and rewards.

The Game Begins.

From the moment we’re born, we’re thrust into the “gameboard” of life.
We don’t choose the setting, the starting gear, or even our first teammates (family).
But the game starts all the same.
Some of us begin with advantages.
Others experience challenges right from the start.

But the truth is, no one plays the same game.
Even though we all play under the same sky.
This might seem unfair, because it is.
Like any complex game, life isn’t perfectly balanced.
But that’s not a reason to stop playing.
It’s a reason to get better at learning the rules.
And adapting to them, even changing them.

Understanding the Rules.

Every game has rules.
Some are written down. Like laws and societal norms.
Others are unwritten, like kindness, ambition, or resilience.
Learning these rules isn’t always easy, but understanding them is crucial.
They shape how we move, how we score, and how we bounce back when we lose.
In life, the “scoreboard” isn’t always money, fame, or success.
Sometimes it’s peace of mind. Meaningful relationships.
Or knowing you made someone’s day better.
What matters most is choosing what “winning” means to you.
Not what others say it should be.

Playing Doesn’t Mean Winning Every Time.

No one wins every game.
In fact, most of us lose more often than we win.
We fail, get rejected, lose people, and feel lost.
But that’s part of the play.
Losing teaches us resilience. It teaches us strategy.
It forces us to pause and ask, “What’s next?”

In life, like in any game, you only lose if you quit.
Every setback is a chance to regroup, learn, and try again.
The most admired players aren’t the ones who win often.
They’re the ones who keep showing up.

The Joy of the Game. 
There’s a certain magic in seeing life as a game. 
It reminds us to be curious, to take risks.
To laugh even when things don’t go our way.
Games are meant to be fun. They challenge us, frustrate us, surprise us.
And sometimes reward us in the most unexpected ways.
The trick is not to take it too seriously.
Yes, there are real consequences, and yes, some parts are brutally hard.
But that’s why it’s a game worth playing.
The key is to stay in the moment, to find joy in the move you're making now.
Not only the outcome you’re hoping for.

But You Have to Play.

Here’s the truth: you don’t get to sit this one out.
You’re already in the game, whether you feel ready or not.
Life doesn’t offer a pause button. There’s no restart, no cheat code.
But there is growth. There is a connection.
And there is purpose, even if it’s not always obvious.

So if you’re going to be here, play the game..

Play with curiosity. Play with heart. Play with integrity.
Lift others up along the way.
Learn from your losses and celebrate your wins.
And remember: you don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to keep showing up.

Because life is a game. And the only rule is: you have to play it.

With very best wishes,

Learning is a Lifelong Do-It-Yourself Project. 
We ALL Need to Educate Ourselves.
By Reading, Watching, Listening, and Learning.
Sharing what we Learn and  Being Messengers of Hope... 

As a pensioner, I appreciate any help with the cost of living.

Thank you.

Chris Wilkinson - Messenger of Hope.