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Role Playing

I have had problems in my life with doing the small, seemingly asinine things that are required of me on a regular basis. Things like cleaning my room, taking out the trash, washing dishes, mowing the lawn, laundry, etc. These things always seemed so tedious to me, and I really did hate them. Until something clicked. I played RPGs. I did asinine chores. I did things for school. I ate. I slept. I played games again. Why did it take so long for me to realize…this thing?

Maybe there is a reason I — and so many people like me — enjoy role playing games. Sure, I’ve heard the theories about how it is an escape because you get to leave the real world and go into fantasy mode, but that doesn’t work so well to explain the popularity of games like The Sims. My thought is that maybe we have an innate desire to play a role. It’s a nice thought really, because it nicely explains the joy that I get from playing RPGs, but it does more than just that for me. It helps me enjoy life.
I had a second, co-occurring realization.
If I played my role in real life I might be able to better my life just like I do over and over again in every RPG I play. In fact, maybe I could live real life much life I would play an RPG. I’ve already started and gotten past the newbie stage so that makes it all the more engaging. Hmmm… So, what are my typical activities in an RPG? Do stuff to gain experience. Do stuff to get more money. Do stuff to get cooler items. Go places to talk to people. Make friends. Seek help. Sleep. Travel. Put on my robe and wizard hat. Drink. Rest. Meditate. Work / Fight. Go on large-scale adventures. All of these things have one thing in common – action. I must do stuff. It’s funny how I can realize that the little things you do in an RPG have a purpose, but I miss that point in real life. Sometimes, I think I am lucky that my body nags me when I need to use the restroom, eat and sleep, because I might not otherwise do those things.
Anyway, the point of all of this is that I realized something a while back. I need to do the little things for a reason. Even if I am unable to see what I am gaining from the meaningless activities I have to have faith that they are part of progressing in the game to the better parts.

Now for some other thoughts/quotes:
I want to serve, because service brings God pleasure, and we all are happy when we feel his pleasure.
“All the world’s a stage
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.” — Shakespeare

Posted by David under Uncategorized |