Settlers

Have you ever played the Settlers of Catan? It's a strategy game about choosing your postion on the board, getting resourses based on decisions and probablities of the dice, and gaining property. It is a game that starts with great hope. I find myself thinking of my great choice about where to position my settlements and roads, but all too soon my plans are dashed on the rocks; sometimes they are dashed my other players and sometimes by poor luck.

Not so much different than real life, huh? We start life with such great hopes and then they are changed by reality and sometimes we are dashed on the rocks. Life sucks and then you die....

Yes, this is very discouraging, however true.

This also is just a look from the outside. This season has been one of those dashed on the rocks sort of times. However, I'm enjoying life and have become stronger because of it.

You know what is also stronger? My marriage and friendship with Peter. We are "Settlers of Earth" together and recently it has been no picnic. However, we communicate better and are closer than when we started this dashed on the rock existance.

Settlers of Catan is also a good use of communication. Peter and I are deciding so many things about how to be "Settlers of Earth" together. Sometimes these discussions are just a muddled, angry or emotional mess. Today I tried a new technique.

Real life is so similar to Settlers of Catan, a bunch of decisions, thoughts, strategies and luck. So today when our wonderful discussion about the "what ifs" of our future began, I said, "Let's look at this like Settlers of Catan." This brought on all kinds of successful non-stressful conversations about the strategy that is our life.

It sounded like this:
"If we were playing Settlers, what would be the best use of our resources?" If we were playing Settlers, would this be worth saving resources to buy?" "If we were playing Settlers, how would this current decision effect our next?"

It made our daily battle of "what ifs" much more enjoyable. :)

Next I'll be writing a book, "Your Marriage According to Settlers of Catan." I'm going to make millions... :)

Speaking of writing, I'm working on a children's book. Thanks for all your encouragement here to write something. Because since I'm a Settler Of Earth, I better find a resourceful and possibly lucritive way to spend my time!