Living Life: Are You the Player or the Played?

Introduction: The Game of Life

Life can often feel like a game, and as Merle Shain once said, there are really only two ways to approach it: either as a victim or a gallant fighter. This powerful metaphor challenges us to think about our own roles in the grand scheme of things. Are we active participants, or are we merely reacting to the circumstances around us?

Act or React: The Choice is Yours

One of the most vital decisions you'll make in life is whether you want to act or react. Acting means taking control, making proactive decisions, and steering your life in the direction you want it to go. Reacting, on the other hand, means letting external events dictate your actions and emotions. If you don't decide which way to play with life, it will always play with you. This can leave you feeling powerless and frustrated.

Deal Your Own Cards

Imagine life as a card game. You have the option to deal your own cards, making strategic moves to maximize your success. This might mean setting goals, making plans, and taking risks. While you can't control every card in the deck, you can certainly influence the outcome by how you play your hand. When you deal your own cards, you are actively shaping your destiny.

Playing with a Stacked Deck

Conversely, playing with a stacked deck means you're at the mercy of the cards dealt to you. This approach often leads to a victim mentality, where you feel life is unfair and out of your control. While it's true that life can be unpredictable and sometimes harsh, accepting a victim role means relinquishing your power to change your circumstances.

Conclusion: Be the Gallant Fighter

The choice between being a victim or a gallant fighter is a daily one. It requires you to consciously decide to take control and act, rather than merely react. By choosing to deal your own cards, you empower yourself to navigate life's challenges with resilience and optimism. So, ask yourself: Are you the player or the played? The answer will shape your journey.