Sometimes it gets really funny!
Getting all those game requests and those that you not know how to stop from going out to users that don't want to play!!
There are very opinionated people in this world that are quick to say that Gamers are LAZY, UNPRODUCTIVE and all sorts of negative things.. They have no problem getting rude and in extreme cases they would even unfriend you!
I guess this week's blog is for them! :)
I want to talk about what i have LEARNT from gaming. I started gaming long ago...you see I have one of those brains that doesn't switch off! I mean, like NEVER switch off. Even when I sleep it still works. In my project management days when we had a problem we couldn't solve the team normally gave it to me to "sleep on" and I would get back with a acceptable solution the next morning! Seriously! :)
My brain would have filed everything and processed it during the night and when I wake up in the morning the solution would be as clear as can be, It's still like that and therefor I PLAY GAMES! It is the only time that my brain is single-mindedly focussed on just ONE thing! IT IS WHEN MY BRAIN ACTUALLY RESTS
This is what I have learnt from gaming:
LESSON 1: YOU CAN DO ANYTHING
Sometimes even your imagination cannot reach as far as the story line in a game. Not because you are not creative but just because you haven't thought about it. Gaming teaches you that ONE PERSON can change the world (I play CRIMINAL CASE on Facebook - and I solve every single problem presented to me...in every case!) So I have learnt that accomplishments are only limited to effort. Many of my FB friends have given up playing Candy Crush...I still play..and sometimes with huge effort I move up a level...the more difficult is gets, the slower I move...but I MOVE!!
LESSON 2: YOU CAN'T DO EVERYTHING
Not alone anyway. You sometimes need friends to send you stuff like energy or keys or clues for you to be able to move up in the game. Soem games are impossible to play on your own...if you try you will not progress...you are taught that you are not an island...that you need other people to sometimes help you achieve things. It's just how it is.
LESSON 3: PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
I've learnt that if I keep going...sometimes over and over again...even when it gets tough...when I expect it least, I succeed. I was once stuck on a level in Candy Crush for more than 3 months and I played every day to beat that level) and then one day when I expected it least...POW WOW!! I did it!! I went through to the next level! I have learnt that just because I failed 200 times it doesn't mean that I am a failure. I've learnt that when I make mistakes sometimes I can correct them in the same game but sometimes I have a to wait 24 hours to try again...having learnt from my mistake..it becomes easier the next time and my chances of beating that level increases!
It rarely has anything to do with talent...it ALWAYS has to do with perseverance!!
LESSON 4: NOT EVERYTHING IS FUN
Some "modes" are less enjoyable than others. Sometimes they are frustrating (like needing one more move to win and not having it!) But you need to go through those "un-"enjoyable moments to get to those stages or modes that you like and enjoy. Sometimes you are forced do those horrible things over and over again and it looks as if it will never end and it does! It ends and then the next stage is the one you enjoy the most!
Life is like that too! Sometimes we have to wash the dishes so we can serve the cake!
LESSON 5: MANAGE YOUR RESOURCES WELL
Prioritize, get and keep what is important. Sometimes you need to save up to get through. Sometimes you have to wait 3 or 4 days before you have enough resources to solve the case! The best thing about games are THERE IS NO CREDIT!
LESSON 6: BE PATIENT
In Criminal Case you have to wait for days for clues to be revealed...and whatever you do doesn't make it appear faster (you can cheat by paying actual money to reveal quicker - but I made a pact with myself many years ago to never pay for stuff in games) so then you wait...and you learn to be patient!
I know it irritates you when you get game requests and you are not a gamer but maybe just maybe you should look at what you can learn from gaming and give a shot!
I have made so many friends all over the world because of games on the internet...friends I would have never known if it wasn't for Gardens of Time or Criminal Case or some "team" game. Some have become part of my daily circle, some are hovering in the background and I hear from them once or twice a year on my and their birthday...but I know one thing...
MY LIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN POORER IF IT WASN'T FOR GAMING. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SAID..YES I WILL PLAY WITH YOU!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven....
