Believe it or not, as an adult I have never worked a jigsaw puzzle. Ever. I’m really not sure why, except maybe it seemed like a colossal waste of time. I mean, what are you really achieving working a puzzle? You’re basically putting something back together that was already whole in the first place.

But this year as the world was put on standstill, when we were forced to stay in our homes, I saw on Facebook several of my friends turn to jigsaw puzzles. It seemed like every day someone was posting their new completed accomplishment. I was a bit intrigued. The pictures varied from scenic, to cityscapes, replicas of masterpieces, animals, and some just plain quirky. Maybe I just might enjoy working on a jigsaw puzzle.

Still, I waited. Still, I didn’t get it.

And then one day I strolled up the puzzle aisle at Hobby Lobby (don’t you just love that store?). All of these puzzles. Every scene you could imagine. Bright colors. Muted colors. Monochrome. 3D. Different skill levels.

I made the plunge, picked one out (of course it had to be 1,000 pieces), purchased it and took it home.

So I get my puzzle home and would like to share with you a few things I’ve learned about puzzles.

They are a lot like life.

• 1. You have to prepare.

Come to find out, I didn’t have a surface large enough to hold my finished puzzle. Sure, I could put it on the dining room table (it’s not like we use it), but who wants to be relegated to the dining room for hours on end? So, off I go to Walmart to purchase a foldable card table.

• 2. Prioritize

Once again, I’m a novice at this. So you can only imagine when I opened the box and see every shape, color, and image available to mankind just how overwhelmed I was! Good grief, where do I start? Ahhh… I remember, people talk about the border, I’ll start with picking out the border!

• 3. Organize

Four days later (keep in mind Puzzling is not my full time job) the border is finished. Time to tackle the other 900 or so remaining pieces to this project. Logically, it seems the best way to make sense of this conglomerate is to separate the pieces by color. But where do I put these pieces once I’ve separated them *Amazon search* Puzzle sorting trays. Hmm… maybe next time (if there is a next time).

• 4. Learn to walk away

Frustration can reach new levels. Tired eyes can be your enemy. Sometimes you just need to walk away and come back fresh another time. Are you giving up? No, just taking a break.

• 5. Accept help from your friends and family

It doesn’t mean defeat, and it’s actually a little sweeter having someone else by your side.

• 6. Don’t force it

This is key. If the fit isn’t quite right, it’s not the right piece. Why do we try to force things that aren’t the right fit? Because we don’t want to be wrong? Because we’re invested? Stop. Just stop. Move on.

• 7. Watch your back

I’m not saying this from paranoia, I’m saying this from having a dog that likes to get in my business. Come to find out, Catfish Bob not only enjoys the top of yogurt lids, but he also enjoys the occasional puzzle piece. Once again, watch your back and your puzzle pieces to 4 legged thieves.

• 8. Step back and look at the big picture

Sometimes we get so focused on a small area, that we lose sight of the big picture. Maybe that little section that you have been so focused on might not be where you need to be giving your attention to. Step back, survey, you just might find your answer.

• 9. Don’t forget to have fun

As I loomed over my half completed puzzle, concentrating, almost fretting, Charlie looked over and said, “Are you having fun?” Oh, that’s right. Relax. It’s just a puzzle.

• 10. Take pride in your accomplishments

Whether it be a completed jigsaw puzzle, or something much bigger, stop and pat yourself on the back for what you have achieved. Sometimes we are the only ones around to do it.

So, that’s what I’ve learned about puzzles.

Oh, also, I kind of get it now. That puzzle that I’ve been putting back together, that puzzle that was once one piece and then broken into what seems like a million little pieces – well, many years ago, that was my life. But slowly, painstakingly, and mercifully, I have been pieced back together again, well, almost – because aren’t we all a work in progress? Unlike a jigsaw puzzle that has a beginning and an end, we are ever changing, ever growing, and I am oh so happy about that.

And one more thing. That thieving dog of mine, Catfish Bob, he stole more than a piece of my puzzle, he stole a piece of my heart too!

Take your time,

Cat