Lessons from 'Roy' the video-game.

Pause whatever you're doing because it's time to dive into something that could just turn your life's game settings from "Meh" to "Epic Mode." 

 

Ever thought life could be more like playing your favorite video game? Well, buckle up because we're about to take a wild ride through the cosmos with none other than Rick and Morty to show you just how!

Imagine this: You're sitting on your couch, flipping through channels, and you stumble upon an episode of "Rick and Morty." the show about the duo that embarks on absurd sci-fi adventures. In this episode, they're not just hopping dimensions but diving headfirst into a game that's about to change the way we see our lives.

 

Welcome to "Roy: A Life Well Lived."
Rick (the older guy, with the crazy blue hair), decides to show Morty, his slightly nervous but ever-curious grandson, what it's like to play "Roy," a game so advanced played on a VR headset, that makes people feel like they're truly experiencing the game in real-life. Morty puts on the game helmet and, in a flash, he's a character in this game named Roy, living another life entirely. In the game, Morty feels like he is truly Roy, and that he's living Roy's life, he goes to school, becomes a football star, falls in love, gets a simple job at a carpet store, and even battles cancer. Morty/Roy's life unfolds with all the ups and downs, achievements, and challenges that come with it.
Then, out of nowhere bam! Morty fell off a ladder in the carpet store (where he worked) something Roy did countless times, and game over, Roy died. Morty's back on the arcade floor (Where he was playing the game), dazed and confused, missing the wife he never really had. Meanwhile, Rick's critique of Morty's safe playthrough sparks a revelation. The game wasn't just about living another life; it was about how you choose to play it.

Now, here's where we zoom out and see the bigger picture painted by this seemingly goofy cartoon. Imagine if we approached our real lives with the same mindset we have when playing a video game. In games, we explore, take risks, and embrace challenges with excitement. Failure isn't the end; it's just a prompt to hit the "retry" button. 

So, what if we lived our lives like that? What if we saw each challenge not as a hurdle but as the next level to beat?

The "Roy" game teaches us to:
1. Take Risks: Just as Rick encourages Morty to play "Roy" off the grid, why not live our lives with a bit more daring? It's about finding the courage to step out of our comfort zones and into our growth zones.

2. Embrace the Game: Life, with its trials and tribulations, is much like a complex video game. Each challenge we face is just another level to master. With every "game over," we learn, adapt, and come back stronger.

3. Rethink Success: Morty's carpet store life might have seemed mundane to Rick, but it was Morty's choice. Success isn't a one-size-fits-all. It's about playing the game by your rules and finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.

4. Hit the Reset Button: Sometimes, in both games and life, we need a fresh start. It's okay to "reset" and try a different strategy or path. It's not about giving up; it's about recalibrating for a better run.

As you ponder the adventure of life through the lens of a game, a critical thought might cross your mind: "But wait, life isn't a game in the literal sense. We don't have a reset button or the option to reload our last save when we make a mistake." And you're absolutely right. The stakes in the game of life are real, and our actions have lasting consequences. Unlike in a video game, we can't rewind time to undo our choices. This undeniable truth brings a layer of gravity to our decision-making process that's absent in the digital playgrounds of our consoles and PCs.

However, this distinction doesn't detract from the value of adopting a game-like mindset; rather, it adds depth to it. Yes, life is real, and we must tread wisely, but that doesn't mean we should default to playing it safe at every turn. The key lies in finding the sweet spot—a balance between the cautious strategy of Morty's Roy and the daring escapades of Rick's playthrough.

 

In life, as in games, some risks are indeed too perilous to contemplate. Yet, countless opportunities for growth, joy, and fulfillment lie just on the other side of calculated risks. Imagine the friendships, experiences, and memories we might never have if we always chose the path of least resistance. Reflect on your own life for a moment: aren't some of your most cherished moments those that came from stepping out of your comfort zone?

 

Adopting a balanced approach means evaluating risks not just on the potential for loss, but on the potential for gain—emotional, intellectual, and even spiritual. It means asking ourselves, "What's the best that could happen?" as often as we ask, "What's the worst that could happen?" It's about recognizing that while we don't have a retry button for life, we often have more opportunities to pivot, adapt, and grow from our experiences than we initially realize.

 

So, while we should exercise wisdom and not leap into folly, we should also not be paralyzed by the fear of failure. Each step out of our comfort zone is a move in the expansive game of life. Whether it's embracing a new hobby, pursuing a dream job, or opening your heart to love, these are the quests that make our storyline rich and rewarding.

 

Embrace life with the spirit of an explorer in an open-world game. Yes, you will face challenges and obstacles, but you will also discover hidden treasures and experiences that make the journey worthwhile. Remember, the most memorable stories often come from the unexpected side quests we embark upon.

 

So, as you navigate the game of life, aim for that middle ground. Take calculated risks, pursue adventures, and open yourself up to the rich tapestry of experiences the world has to offer. By doing so, you won't just exist; you'll live vibrantly, collecting stories and memories that enrich your soul and inspire others to join in the game.