‘If life is a game, these are the rules’ (I)

‘If life is a game, these are the rules’ by Cherie Carter-Scott

Once a DJ has said life is like a game, you have various battles to deal with, one after one. I completely agree with it. Then how should we be prepared so that we can win and be the champion finally? This question has long puzzled me so I borrowed this book and hoped I could find some clues. To be frank, this book does not tell you any astonishing facts. Yet, it is still worth reading. The credo that strikes me hard is rule 9: ‘Your answers lie inside of you’. Perhaps, to learn to listen to one’s own idea and to believe in one’s instinct is indeed a lesson. Searching for solutions outwards frantically usually do not turn out well, do you agree?

Rule 1: You will receive a body: Since there is a no-refund, no-exchange policy on this body of yours, it is essential that you learn to transform your body from a mere vessel into a beloved partner and lifelong ally.

You need to stop criticizing, judging, or finding fault with your body even when you are not at your healthiest or most attractive. The drive for self-improvement is completely healthy as long as it comes from a place of self-love rather than a feeling of inadequacy.

Every person’s body has a specific formula that works for it. It is your responsibility to become acquainted with your body’s individual requirements. No one diet works for everyone, nor does any one sleep or exercise regimen. True respect comes form learning what your body needs to run at optimum performance, and then making the commitment to honoring those needs.

You may find yourself living a rather colourless life if you do not pause every now and then to indulge your senses. Pleasure is like the oil that keeps the machine of your life running smoothly. Without it, the gears stick and you will most likely break down.

Rule 2: You will be presented with lessons: You will be presented with all the lessons that you specifically need to learn; whether you choose to learn them or not is entirely up to you. If you are able to rise to this challenge, you can unravel the mystery of your purpose and actually live it.

In every moment, you are choosing either to align yourself with your own true path or to veer away from it. There are no neutral actions.

Rule 3: There are no mistakes. Only lessons: When you consider the hardships of life — — the disappointments, hurts, losses, illnesses, all the tragedies you may suffer — — and shift your perception to see them as opportunities for learning and growth, you become empowered.

When you do something that violates your own values and ethics, you create a chasm (鴻溝) between your standards and your actual behaviour, which compromises your integrity. You need to work very hard at forgiving yourself for these deeds so that you can close this chasm and realign with the best part of yourself.

As for forgiveness of another, harbouring resentment and revenge fantasies only keeps you trapped in victimhood. It is only through forgiveness that you can erase wrongdoing and clean the slate (不計前嫌).