Puzzled

A puzzle by dictionary definition is “a toy, problem, or other contrivance designed to amuse by presenting difficulties to be solved by ingenuity or patient effort.” As a verb, the word means, “to be perplexed or confused.” It is interesting to me that humans created a toy to purposefully cause us to be perplexed and confused.

I like making connections. I get very excited when I find puzzle pieces that go together. But if I’m being honest, I am not very good at puzzles. I often assume there’s a piece missing even if it’s a brand-new puzzle. My real problem is that sometimes I don’t look hard enough for the piece I want. Other times, my problem is that the ‘missing’ piece was right in front of me the whole time, and I was looking at it the wrong way. I was so convinced the piece belonged somewhere else that I did not even try to place in the correct spot.

All pieces of a puzzle have a specific and perfect spot. No other piece will do. The puzzle looks dumb if you try to put the wrong pieces together. Sometimes you have those almost fits, but you can tell it’s off. The image of a puzzle makes more sense the more and more you make the connections between pieces. Eventually, all the pieces fall into place and the pride of accomplishment is felt. You overcame the perplex and confusing toy.

Life is like a puzzle. Now, I’m sure you have heard this analogy before, but I encourage you to read on to see what I have to say about it.

Somehow, in the vastness of the universe, you were born. Choices were made throughout the ages that eventually brought you to this planet we call Earth. Your value is insignificant against the 7 billion other people that live on this planet, but you made it here. And the puzzle begins, the moment you take your first breath.

Congratulation to all those chosen to be on this Earth. It is often believed that we are here for a reason. As we grow older, we learn about the world we live in. Whether you are born into privilege, you were born into poverty or somewhere in between, that is the world you come to know. Every experience you have, adds another piece to the puzzlement of your existence and creates an image of your character.

Humans are often searching for their purpose in life. We often have goals and strive for something. Some people strive to understand their existence, some strive for happiness, some strive to improve themselves, and some strive for power. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we are all striving for something. That’s why there are sciences, religions, and hobbies. We want our lives to be meaningful.

I sometimes feel very overwhelmed by the puzzlement of my existence. I cannot explain why something happened in my life. I cannot understand why some people live longer on this planet and some are taken away—especially when it feels too soon. I cannot tell you why some people exist, and others are never given the chance. Sometimes, I can’t even understand my own choices. There are times when I feel like none of the pieces of my life fit together.  

For all those who are also stuck in the puzzle making process of life, you’re not alone. Sometimes it helps to step back from a situation and look at the bigger picture. During chaos, heartbreak, depression, sorrow, loss, defeat, or pain, we often look at pieces of life the wrong way. We are convinced life was supposed to be one way, but those pieces did not match up. As we get older or further away from a situation, we can sometimes see the purpose of the event. Don’t give up hope. There is something meaningful in life’s challenges. I do not have the perfect cure for feeling this way, but I encourage all to press on. I find some peace of mind by believing that one day I will get to see the image my life creates.

Just like a puzzle, I believe life is perplexing and confusing, but eventually, all the pieces fall into place. I believe we were chosen to be on this Earth for a reason. I believe the choices we make, and the events of our lives add more pieces to our life puzzle. I believe our striving for purpose in life is intentional. I believe more things could be resolved if people did more self-reflection to understand what kind of image they wanted their life to create. I believe there is hope in life.

My great-grandmother, Baba, used to say, “If you want to believe it, believe it. If you don’t want to believe it, don’t believe it!” My blogs are not meant to convince you of anything, but to challenge you to think. I hope I gave you a new perspective on life.