Lessons from Jigsaw Puzzles

Would have wanted to write something personal, but this email forwarded by my very good friend prove to be more interesting than what I could have written...Hahahaha...May we be inspired by this one....

A jigsaw puzzle, as you all know, is a tiling puzzle that requires the assembly of numerous small, often oddly shaped, interlocking and tessellating pieces. Each piece has a small part of a picture on it; when complete, a jigsaw puzzle produces a complete picture.

The initial jigsaw puzzles were made of cardboard intended for developing a child's focus.

They outlined great pictures of flowers, cartoons, animals and even people when correctly
put together. These brainteasers help in developing focus and critical thinking of the children at an early age.

Jigsaw puzzles are often cut on larger pieces of cardboard and plastics to help kids learn the habit of analyzing possibilities. With these, wonderful shapes are to be linked together to discover the beauty they will reveal and learning becomes pleasurable and more enjoyable for them.

From children to seniors, making jigsaw puzzles is truly a wonderful hobby and relaxing pastime that helps develop problem-solving skills and keeps your mind sharp.

Aside from keeping our minds sharp, we, adults, can learn some valuable life lessons from a jigsaw puzzle. Here they are:

* Don't force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.
* When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.
* Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.
* Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.
* When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later.
* The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook.
* Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.
* Establish the boarder first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.
* Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.
* Take time to celebrate your successes (even little ones).
* Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.