Stay the Course

 

One of my favorite games is Phase Ten Dice. 

It’s a cross between Phase Ten and Yahtzee 

And it is a combination of luck and strategy,

Although it could be argued it’s less strategy than luck. 

 

As the name suggests, 

There are ten phases that you must complete in three rolls each. 

You are rolling for a high score but

If a high score isn’t possible then you at least want to complete the phase.  

If you do not complete the phase, then you must try again and again until the phase is complete.

There is a 40 point bonus for finishing first. 

 

Time and time again, 

When playing Phase Ten Dice,

The person winning in the beginning is not the person who wins in the end. 

They will be sailing along, 

Completing phases, 

Getting high scores, 

And then come to a screeching halt when a phase trips them up. 

For my dad,

It’s seven of one color. 

It gets him every time! 

For me and my mom,

It can be anything.  

 

The point is,

You must stay the course. 

If you’re losing,

You cannot give up hope.

If you’re winning,

You cannot take your fortune for granted.

 

The game can drastically change in just one phase. 

 

You are not completely guaranteed a win or a loss until the game truly ends. 

 

So stay the course, dear friends—

Hunker down and persevere,

Even when hope is hard to come by. 

You never know when strategy and luck will converge to propel you forward, 

Out of whatever sadness and defeat you are feeling. 

 

As much as you can,

Enjoy the journey and

Share laughter with those you’re journeying with. 

Winning is nice, yes. 

But it’s the process that matters. 

And the process takes time.

And waiting.

And cheering one another on. 

 

Amen. 

FreeCell

A couple of weeks ago, I had the strangest conversation with myself.

“I’d like to play FreeCell,” I thought.

“FreeCell?!” I responded.

“You haven’t played FreeCell in years!”

“I know. But I’d really like to play.”

I didn’t play that day. Or the next. Or the next.

But as thoughts of FreeCell continued to enter my mind, I finally gave in to the thoughts and downloaded a FreeCell App.

The last time I’d played FreeCell was when it came pre-installed on my computer!!

Since the download, I have played around 20 games.

I’ve noticed that I hold my breath while I’m playing because I get so anxious about my moves.

I try not to use hints, but sometimes I do.

I try not to use undo, but sometimes I do.

Sometimes I win. Sometimes I lose. But my reactions are always the same:

I feel very sad when I lose—disappointed and let down.

But then I feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I win—especially when I’ve caught myself thinking, “This is impossible. I’m going to lose.” The little card dance at the end of the game is truly a celebration! I begin to breathe again. And I smile while I release a little cheer.

I told a friend about my newfound FreeCell hobby. She said, “Your life is getting ready to become very hectic and stressful. You FreeCell all you want.”

I think I will.

I think I’ll continue my quest to be present right now—with whatever my thoughts bring up.

The stress of school (or whatever “school” is to you) is coming soon enough. For some, it’s already here.

So for now, and even then, let’s find joy every way we can…simple (well, not so simple 😊) victories included.