Das Leben ist wie ein Puzzle

One of my holiday goals was to relax and unwind. I thought a jigsaw puzzle might be a nice thing to do, especially on those wintery, snowy days. So, soon after arriving, I found a toy store and bought a 1,000 piece puzzle. Naturally, I picked a German scene - Neuschwanstein.

I have been working my way through it, and it has been a lovely thing to do. It must be decades since I completed a substantial jigsaw. Though sometimes, my internal competition didn’t necessarily make it as relaxing as I’d expected.

Until yesterday, I didn’t think I’d finish it; which would have been OK. But after sitting down to spend a few minutes on it, I found myself in two marathon sessions resulting in a completed puzzle.

Interestingly, as I reacquired puzzle making skills I reflected on how many of those skills and lessons could be applied to life:

• You don’t have to finish things all at once. You can chip away at them.
• Don’t panic. It may seem insurmountable. Just take little steps and you’ll get there.
• The missing piece is always there. You just can’t always see it. Sometimes you need to stop looking.
• When you take your time you notice the little details you miss when you are in a hurry.
• Gentle persistence pays off. You just need to find a method that works. 
• Sometimes you need a break so you can come back with fresh eyes.
• Sometimes you’re just looking at things from the wrong angle or direction.
• Just when it seems impossible, a solution appears.
• Keep doing it and you’ll get better.

(Title translation: Life is like a jigsaw puzzle)