The Domino Effect

As an adolescent, I spent hours building domino formations.  I enjoyed the precision of making sure each domino was placed so that once struck, they would all seamlessly fall down and create a beautiful cascade, (aka, domino effect.)  Somehow watching the dominoes gracefully fall into each other made all of the tedious work worthwhile.  To put it simply, it was a work in progress made into a work of art.  

As an adult, regretfully, I no longer play with dominoes.  However, I understand the developmental value of play in fostering human development.  Concrete play can lead to abstract thought, from dominoes to perspective.  If we envision ourselves as dominoes, the perspective drastically changes.  No one wants to fall down; however, we realize that sometimes things happen that are out of our control.  Suffice it to say, this doesn't mean we have to allow the situation(s) to overtake us.

When one thing falls, it doesn't always mean everything else falls.  It is merely about placement to determine whether the effect happens.  While watching a domino effect can be quite riveting, experiencing one of your own is less than desirable.  This, of course, all depends on placement.  In this case, mentality.

Sheer volition has been my strongest and most reliable asset.  Feeding myself inspiration and surrounding myself around positive people have molded me into a better person overall.  Even though it took several carefully-placed dominoes to re-build from the displaced pieces, I now understand the process was necessary.  Every domino has led me to where I needed to be, and while the process was grueling in the beginning, it most certainly was gratifying in the end.  Watching all of the pieces fall "up" on my terms has made me wholly satisfied again.

Likewise, sometimes when everything falls down, everything falls into place.  Up is the new down, while down is the new frown.  (Sometimes I am a poet...) ;)

Word to the wise:

The domino effect can be good or bad.  It is up to you to choose.  Choose carefully.