Page 48 - NAMAH-Jul-2018

Reflections

Life as a jigsaw puzzle

Mira Patel

Abstract
In times of confusion and overwhelm, it is hopeful to know that we’re not alone, that we have access to all
the resources needed to make us whole, and that we are helped along the way. We can draw an analogy
and parallels from something as playful as solving a jigsaw puzzle!

There is a lot to do, not sure where to start, the 2. Trust that you have all the pieces you need
final goal seems so far and difficult to achieve, to complete the puzzle.
it’s overwhelming! I’m looking at 2,000 pieces
of jigsaw puzzle, the final outcome is going 3. Acknowledge how each small step in putting
to be a beautiful, scenic view with a beautiful pieces together is a step further towards
house, mountains, sunrise and a lake. But the final goal.
where to start? How to put so many pieces
together, each in its right and unique place! 4. The more complex and difficult the puzzle,
Life too may seem difficult at times, just like the more you are likely to be competent
a giant jigsaw puzzle! And the way to work and capable. Once you solve a 100-pieces
through is the same – just one thing at a time, puzzle, you will want to grow to the next
first to address what seems the easiest, that step of solving a 200 or a 500-pieces puzzle.
is to make a border of the puzzle. Take out
the pieces with at least one straight edge and 5. At the end of the day, when we have tried
start making the border, the easiest being to and tried, someone steps in to complete it,
identify the four corner pieces! Then one piece and it is often joyful to complete the puzzle
at a time, matching shape, looking at colours, with a group of friends or family.
themes and slowly, slowly the picture starts
emerging! What is most important for a player In life too, we see the same aspects being
to complete the jigsaw puzzle, is to: reflected as we navigate our way:

1. Have the final vision in place. 1. To have a sense of vision and direction, it

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