Sometimes I think about life as if it were a puzzle.  I’m sure most people can relate to this as there are so many pieces of one’s life.  We begin as infants, brand new to a world of unknown experience.  We learn through hearing, touching, smelling, tasting, seeing and sensing the people and things around us.  As curious beings, we use these senses to discover everything through progressive awareness of the world around us.  All of this happens and we have no memory of it, later on, especially in our adult lives.  It’s pity though, because we use them less, and think more.

I am not saying thinking is wrong.  On the contrary, thinking is absolutely necessary.  But, life is not always logical and so we need to engage our senses to get the whole picture of the events of our lives.  I find that if I think too much, I am less sensitive to the nuances and subtleties that contribute to wise decision-making.  But usually that is not a problem because I am a feeler according to the Myers-Briggs criteria for personality types.  And sometimes, feelings can get in the way of logical thinking.  But both are equally important.

So, how does one solve the problems, or puzzle pieces we encounter?  Thinking and feeling and remembering our past experiences are certainly good ways.  And sometimes, it is a good idea to consult an expert.  Thinking of life as a puzzle is good for me, because I like them.  Puzzle pieces are more attractive than problems to me.  Either way it is problem solving.

Hopefully, we learn something everyday.  And each bit of information is stored.  We may not be able to retrieve the information immediately, but it is usually there, even if it might be misplaced.  It is my belief, that all of these lessons are important, even if we can’t tell exactly why.  And even if there is a missing piece, now and again, I believe that when it’s time to pass on, the final one will be revealed.  And then, the puzzle of each life will be solved and put away, ready for a new life to begin.