How to Play the Game of Life

PC: Paul Volkmer(unsplash.com)

“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them — work, family, health, friends and spirit — and you’re keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls ~ family. health, friends and spirit — are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked. nicked. damaged or even shattered.” — Brian Dyson, Ex-CEO, Coca Cola

5 Balls of Life — The Story

I frankly didn’t know how to play the game of Life!

I was on a race to get good grades, get a secure job, perform well on the job no matter what!

This race left me devoid of Happiness, Spirit, Well-being and the urge to live a Joyful Life was no where in the picture.

After a couple of treks, one in the Himalayas and one in the Western Ghats of India, I resigned from my secure job.

I was elated and yes I did drop the rubber ball.

PC: Luis Villasmil(unsplash.com)

Many were aghast at my decision that I was leaving a secure job when I was at the peak of my career. Some were shocked that I am not pursuing any job and heading to explore Life.

With no plan, I wanted to explore Life in its raw form.

Being devoid of a monthly paycheck hit me hard in the pockets. I felt insecure and anxious as to how would I earn money. I pondered if this was another race that I would have to run.

Then again there were moments of happiness; my Travel articles were published in daily Newspapers and Blogs, my Short Story was published in an e-zine, I self-published a Coffee Table Book and sold it on Amazon India, I started Content Writing for a couple of startups.

I started Investing in my self and how did I do that?

1. I invested to upgrade my Creative Writing Skills
2. I traveled to the Himalayas in search of the unknown
3. I explored the Art of Photography
4. I pitched my Fiction and Non- Fiction Articles for Magazines, Articles, Blogs
5. I self-published a Coffee Table Book on Himalayan Landscapes and Poetry

I wasn’t thoroughly happy!

I knew there was something amiss and I had a calling to get into Meditation.

6. I took the decision to get into Meditation

7. I prioritized Inner well-being as I realized this is the foundation for a meaningful, joyful life

When I embarked on this Inner journey, something drastically changed within me and I knew this was probably what I was looking for.

Throughout this journey, I learnt about myself; the workings of my mind, my body and also the play of energies!

This helped me to respond and interact well with my family, friends, clients and with just about anyone.

PC: Jacqueline Munguia(unsplash.com)

Some of the benefits which I have perceived are:

1. I focus on the job at hand and do whatever needs to be done irrespective of my likes and dislikes
2. I am not bothered about the end-result
3. I need to show up for my readers / clients, for myself
4. Now if the only time that I have so I better focus on only that and nothing else
5. Yoga and Meditation have helped to bring about Balance, Clarity and Intensity
6. Life is a Joyful affair every moment and I don’t seek for milestones
7. Life is a Play of the 4 Glass Balls and the 5th Rubber Ball can be played anytime as long as you have the Glass Balls in place

Make your life a game like the 5 Balls and it can be played well as long as you Invest in your well-being first.

Once you invest in your well-being, everything else falls into place and the juggling happens smoothly!

What do you think? What has been your experience in dropping the Rubber Ball for a while?

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