A Year of Sundays: The 29th Sunday (7/20/25)

 This week reminded me of one of my favorite thinkers, Florence Scovel Shinn, and the path to success she so clearly illuminated. Her classic work The Game of Life and How to Play It continues to speak truth to my journey. Life truly is a game—complete with wins and losses, strategy and alignments, surprise moves and hidden lessons.

We are winners not by avoiding challenges, but by choosing to play life on our own terms. There is a certain wisdom in celebrating our wins, yes—but also in learning from our losses. With every experience, we get better. Just like any game, mastery comes through practice, perseverance, and presence of mind.

Florence Scovel Shinn said,

“Most people consider life a battle, but it is not a battle, it is a game.” (Shinn, 1925/2004, p. 15)

This idea has shaped how I approach even the most complicated or stressful weeks. Instead of resistance, I try to lean in with curiosity. What move can I make next that will realign me with joy, purpose, and personal power?

This week, I recommit to practicing. I will remember that every day offers a fresh round—a new opportunity to align myself with the highest good and play the game with grace and intention.

Sunday Reflection Prompt: Take a quiet moment today to reflect on how you’ve been playing the game of life. Are you honoring your own rules? Where are you allowing fear or self-doubt to sideline you? What is one small move you can make this week to realign with joy, purpose, or your own inner wisdom?

Remember: The more you practice, the better you play.

Reference

 Shinn, F. S. (2004). The game of life and how to play it. Wilder Publications. (Original work published 1925)