A puzzling perspective
Challenges,  Overcoming Obstacles,  Procrastination,  Productivity

A Puzzling Perspective

I’ve not ever been a person who liked to do puzzles. I didn’t understand what drew people to put a picture together that was in pieces…

It just never made sense to me.

Until I met my spouse, who came from a family that, on Sundays, would have popcorn and apples, and they’d all do a puzzle together.

Since we’ve been together, she’s always had a puzzle on the dining room table. It was a few years in that I noticed how enthralled she’d get doing them. And some pieces would wind up on the floor, the dog would get it, and I’d find it half chewed and have to bring it to her.

It was then that I started to watch her more closely.

And one time, while I was checking out the puzzle and watching how far she’d come putting it together, something happened to me.

I started to get hooked. And wanted to find some pieces. ( I also really liked the puzzle. My favorites are the traditional puzzles by Dowdle Folk Art.)

It was weird. While sitting at the table, I started to notice how the more I would concentrate and look at the pieces, sort them, and look for specific pieces, my mind was empty. I wasn’t thinking about anything.

It was like an interesting form of meditation.

I was way more relaxed, and I have to say, it was pretty satisfying when the 1k-piece puzzle was finished.

We’d take it down after a couple of days of admiring our handiwork.

Then we’d put it away and get out another one.

What else started happening the more I was doing puzzles was when I started to look for a specific piece or one that intrigued me, I’d get a little frustrated when I couldn’t find where it went, and I’d put it down and take a break.

Then a bit later, I’d be at the puzzle and see the same piece again.

Pick it up, but this time, I’d turn the piece around or walk around the table, looking at the puzzle from a different angle.

As soon as I changed my perspective, a light bulb would go off, and I’d find where the piece went immediately.

I love this because the skills I use when working on a puzzle are the same when I’m faced with an issue or situation in work/life, and I can’t seem to figure it out.

That’s why I’m calling this a “Puzzling Perspective.” Like when I lost my book a few weeks ago and found it only when I shifted my perspective and changed my energy. If you missed it, you can read about that here.

Next time you feel stuck about something, stressed about making an important decision, procrastinating, or maybe just dealing with writer’s block…

Do Something To Shake Things Up. (I know, I know, it sounds very counterintuitive.)

You need to shift your energy, and moving your body helps too.

What you’re actually doing is shifting from your left brain to your right brain.

Some Ideas Below About How to Make That Shift:

1. Go for a walk outside in nature (take the dog with you. 🙂

2. Simply go into another room – Change your view. Grab a book.

3. Call someone to talk – Ask them how they’re doing.

4. Go take a shower – That usually works.

5. Grab a book and read a few pages.

6. Work on a puzzle for 15 minutes -If you’re like me, you might need to set a timer so you’re not there all day. And if you are, maybe you need that. 🙂

7. Sit in a comfy chair by a window – Put your feet up and close your eyes for 5 mins of quiet time.

8. Meditate – Sit for ten to twenty minutes or more.

9. If you have a pet – Play with them or simply pet them for a bit.

10. Take a 20-minute nap – The great inventors like Einstein loved doing this. In fact, Edison would put a ball in his hand, so when he drifted off, he’d drop it and it’d wake him up. This way, he’d remember if any ideas came to mind to help him solve his latest problem.

I’ve tried many of these things, and it’s amazing how they totally helped me change my perspective. And helped me figure out what to do next.

This week’s pics:
Some beautiful sunsets and clouds with this cold rainy weather. And I just love that pic of the moon from the deck in all it’s bright cloudy glory.

Plus two bonus shots of Emma. The dog that will sleep anywhere, including on my lap while resting her head on my desk. Plus, her favorite comfy spot to do dog and people-watching.
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