The game of life

I heard a story not long ago about a guy who figured out how to hack Minecraft.

If you haven’t played it, Minecraft is a game where you build stuff and explore endless worlds.

This guy found a trick to duplicate items. Suddenly, he could get anything he wanted without working for it.

Sounds awesome, right?

Well, not for long. He said the joy of playing just vanished. Skipping the effort took away what made the game special.

That stuck with me. It’s a small story, but it says something big about life.

When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to grow up. I’d dream about being 18, driving a car, skipping school, and playing video games whenever I felt like it.

Every day felt like a step I wanted to jump over.

But now, looking back, I see those steps weren’t just hurdles. They were part of the game. Each one had its own little joys and lessons.

Games work the same way. Every level builds you up for the next.

You learn the controls, figure out the tricks, and get ready for bigger challenges.

Life does that too. Childhood, teenage years, adulthood—they all teach us something.

Rush through them, and you might miss the skills you need later.

There’s this saying I love:

“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”

It hits hard when you think about life. Goals are great. They push us forward. But if we’re always staring at the finish line, we forget to enjoy the view along the way.

Think about it.

Your best memories probably aren’t just the wins. They’re the messy, funny, tough moments that got you there.

Then comes the moment when school ends.

Suddenly, life feels like an open-world game. No set path, no strict rules. You’re free to choose your own adventure. It’s thrilling, sure, but it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you even start?

That’s when those earlier levels pay off.

Falling into pits and beating tough bosses taught me how to bounce back.

Now, I get to decide how to play.

I can pick my quests, chase what excites me, and figure out what winning looks like for me. It’s a fresh start, and I’m more pumped about it than ever.

So here’s the deal as you play this game of life:

Enjoy every stage.

Take your time.

Set goals, but don’t let them steal the show.

Savor the journey.

Learn from the stumbles.

Cheer for the victories, no matter how small.

Because the real fun isn’t just in finishing. It’s in how you play along the way.