Life's a Chess Game: Make Your Move Count

"Life is like a chess game. If you play the right move, at the right time, you'll win the game." — Sruti

We all know time is precious. It's the one thing we can't buy back, the seconds slipping through our fingers never to return. And yet, in this fast-paced world, don't you often feel like the clock is on fast-forward? Like an invisible force is pushing us to move quicker, year after year? There's so much to do, so many ideas buzzing in our heads, but so little time. Sometimes it feels like you'd need 10,000 hours, or more, just to scratch the surface.

Watch the Video on YT

But here’s the secret: you don't need to conquer everything at once. Just like in chess, winning isn't about one grand, instantaneous move. It's about a series of right moves, made one at a time. There’s no instant win unless your opponent blunders spectacularly. Victory comes from making the best possible move in each unique situation.

Life on the Chessboard

Chess is often called a mirror of life itself. It's a miniature battlefield, reflecting the struggles and triumphs we face daily. The complexity of life is distilled into a game, where the fight to win or escape a tough spot is a universal theme, both on the board and in reality.

I remember grappling with a monumental decision when I was in my home country: should I leave a stable job to study in Canada as an international student? This wasn't a choice to be made lightly. It demanded careful consideration, taking things one day at a time, weighing every circumstance, every potential impact.

My Gambit: From Home to Canada

One move at a time, I made my way to Canada in August 2022. It's been over a year now in this beautiful country, and honestly, I miss so much about home. My dogs, who were always by my side, my bicycles, the places I explored on two wheels – they all cross my mind often. I frequently wonder if it was all worth it.

Walking through a park, I sometimes get lost in thought, imagining how different life might be if I hadn't left. It's incredibly challenging to step out of your comfort zone, to move to another country and feel like you're starting from scratch. The effort to fit in and adjust can feel immense, at times even insurmountable. But as they say, "there is no growth within your comfort zone." So, I embraced the challenge.

Finding Your Move, Even When Lost

When you feel adrift, when it seems like everything is lost, remember the lessons of chess. It can be a companion when you feel alone. And thanks to the internet, chess has transcended boundaries. You can play with anyone, anywhere, anytime. A physical board is no longer a necessity; just a gadget and the will to play.

But whether you're playing on a screen or across a wooden board, the fundamental rules remain unchanged: to win, you must play the right move at the right time. Success in chess hinges on adapting to the situation, coordinating your pieces for a decisive attack or a resilient defense. Just like life, there are threats that demand immediate responses and opportunities ripe for the taking.

So, what's your next move?