Winning the Game of Life

When you think about Winning the Game of Life, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Let me guess... being the hero of the game, the captain of the team, the champion of a winning organization, the president of a multimillion dollar corporation, or being filthy rich and living in a glamorous mansion? Our culture inundates us with these beliefs at an early age. These images are plastered in our minds by television, magazine and radio ads. Don't get me wrong though, all these things are nice and there is nothing wrong with them per se, but it's obvious success and fame don't completely satisfy people, as we constantly watch so called famous and successful peoples lives blow up and fall apart after they have achieved massive success according to the worlds standards.

Sometimes you can win it all and still miss the mark. Winning the Game of Life is far more than being famous and achieving super, mega success. Sometimes it is the simple things like achieving contentment, joy and happiness too. I once heard a quote that said something to the effect of, " the measure of a mans success, is the measure of his happiness. " Personally I think someone who makes $30,000 a year doing what he or she loves, is much more successful than an overworked business man, doctor or lawyer who is making tons of money and hates their job. People can have all that stuff and still feel empty. Having stuff doesn't fill your soul. There is a song by Kanye West which is actually untitled where he says, "Do you think I sacrifice a real life for all the fame and flashing lights? It's like I'm looking for something out there. I turn on the TV and see me and see nothing." This song is a powerful reminder that all that glitters is not gold.

In my younger days, I did a lot of competitive running. I went to the Jr. Olympics, won box fulls of trophies and medals, but after a while, even this success didn't satisfy the hunger within. Just because I was winning athletic contests, I didn't feel I was necessarily Winning the Game of Life. There was still an emptiness within, so I decided to change course. I decided I wanted to win the game of life, to truly taste the thrill of victory at a soul level. I have since then discovered an entirely New Definition for Winning the Game of Life:

• Being Victorious Over Self (Overcoming the Ego)
• Achieving Inner Peace
• Feeling Happy and Fulfilled Within
• Being Anchored and Connected to the Life Source
• Feeling Passionate and Enthusiastic About Life
• Being a Team Player, Understanding Your Place in the Great Circle of Life and the Interconnectedness of All Things

Winning the Game of Life is a personal thing. Only you know if you are winning or losing. That's because success is different to different people. I will tell you though, the worlds view of success is highly overrated. You cannot measure your worth by that scale. We always think, I will be happy when I achieve this or that. But, it's not about the success we achieve, the $'s in your bank account, or treasures in your storehouse. To win at the game of life is about the worth and wealth you feel within, treasuring every moment as a gift and being fully present in every moment. You cannot experience true success without keeping God and family first in your life. I have observed true success in life comes from keeping God and family first ALWAYS.

Winning the Game of Life is about finding that rare and often ignored jewel called inner peace. In the Bhagavad Gita or Hindu holy book, it speaks of attaining this level of inner peace. It says, "Attaining this state, he knows that there is no higher attainment; he is rooted there unshaken even by the deepest sorrow." This my friends is the reward of all rewards. Worldly awards and accomplishments are nothing compared to this highly prized gift. If you have peace in your soul, a positive outlook on life, and you are living an animated life that you are in love with, you are most assuredly Winning the Game of Life. You are victorious. The trophy will be yours.

Copyright Justin Topik 2010