Do you do Jigsaw Puzzles?

I just finished a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle.  When I started it before Christmas I just wanted to relax with some Christmas movies and having something to do with my hands.  I remember doing this puzzle several times with my son when he was younger.  We would finish very quickly when we worked together.

This time it took me over a month.  It turned out not just for my enjoyment but to learn some interesting lessons along the way.  I was surprised how I could draw on many parallels to life in general.

Like I always do with a puzzle I start out finding the straight edges to lay out the frame for the picture.  Then I divided the pieces by color and images where I thought they may go according to the finished picture on the box.  Half way through arranging all the sections, I discovered that some pieces were missing.  Then I became very tempted to end the whole thing since it wouldn’t be perfect at the end.

I have to say that I got frustrated many times during the layout, and finally, I looked up some instructions on the internet on how to do a puzzle.  I was surprised on how many people have described exact methods on how to proceed.  That gave me new motivation.  In the progression I discovered some interesting facts on how to build a jigsaw puzzle.

 

Purpose of doing puzzle:

1)    Learn patience

2)    Practice imagination

3)    Learn color coordination

4)    Distinguish the different shapes

5)    Finding repetitive patterns

6)    Sorting by colors

7)    Sorting by shapes

8)    Learning problem solving skills

 

The best thing of all it is a good brain building activity.  It balances both sides of the brain, the logical and the creative parts; and most of all it helps you to focus on the task at hand.  It reminds you that many small parts together make a whole picture; and that when you persevere long enough, you can finish the task at hand.

 

To build the puzzle of life takes a long time.  It is almost impossible to unravel all the answers and solution without instructions.  Sometimes we need some help, encouragement, maybe even a coach.  As long as we persevere we will always benefit and be enriched.  That’s where puzzles are such a useful activity; we know that there is a spot for every part.  As long as we match the different pieces, we will finish the puzzle.

 

So when you think that puzzles are for children, think again.  It is a very useful activity for adults, too.  What happens when you have used up all pieces and there are still some holes?  Well – you realize that you tried your very best at completing the picture.  You understand that there are still things missing in your life and you don’t want to ever stop looking for answers.

 

I like to finish with a poem I found at this website it is called:

Life Is...

Life is... Life is a challenge - meet it.

Life is a gift - accept it.

Life is an adventure - dare it.

Life is full of sorrow - overcome it.

Life is a tragedy - face it.

Life is a duty - perform it.

Life is a game - play it.

Life is a mystery - unfold it.

Life is a song - sing it.

Life is an opportunity - take it.

Life is a journey - complete it.

Life is a promise - fulfill it.

Life is beauty - praise it.

Life is a struggle - survive it.

Life is a goal - achieve it.

Life is a puzzle - solve it.