I’d like to begin with a poem. This poem is from Rabbi Lawrence Kushner’s book “Honey from the Rock.”
“Jigsaw”
“Each lifetime is like a jigsaw puzzle, with different numbers of pieces and varying difficulties in assembly. Some are born with nearly completed puzzles, while others face challenges in assembling the myriad parts. But know this: no one possesses all the pieces to their own puzzle.
Just as before, when jigsaw puzzles were sealed in cellophane to ensure all pieces were present, everyone carries at least one and likely many pieces to someone else’s puzzle. Sometimes they realize this, while others remain unaware. When you present a piece, even if it’s worthless to you, to another, whether you know it or not, you become a messenger from the Most High.”
This poem uses the imagery of puzzle pieces to illustrate our capacity to connect, encourage, strengthen, and support one another. It symbolizes unity, teamwork, and hope.
The Choice I Didn't Know I Had
Years ago, I faced a daunting task: reading my work aloud to a group of writers for the first time.
The night before, fear lined up with all its companions—paranoia, nausea, panic. My inner critic had a field day: Who do you think you are? You're going to humiliate yourself. Everyone will see you're a fraud.
I stood at a choice point, though I didn't recognize it at first. I thought my only options were: go and suffer, or quit and prove the critic right.
Photo by Ana Tavares on Unsplash
But then something shifted. Instead of fretting or giving in to panic, I found a mindful middle ground. I could choose how I showed up, even if I couldn't control the outcome. I could choose to breathe. I could choose to read my truth, regardless of how it was received. I could choose to see this as an offering, not a performance.
That morning, I walked into the room. My hands shook as I read. My voice wavered. But I kept going.
And something remarkable happened: when I finished, someone in the circle said, "Thank you for sharing that. It gave me permission to try something I've been afraid of."
I had offered a puzzle piece without even knowing it.
What Choices Really Mean
We shape our reality with every moment through the choices we make. Even in difficult situations, we have more choices than we realize.
When faced with something we can't change, we can shift our focus. We can alter our perspective, our response, our beliefs, and our actions. There's always another way not necessarily an easier way, but a different way.
New ways await discovery. If one approach fails, we can explore. We can expand and discover new insights and possibilities.
Every day, we have limitless opportunities to live an empowered life. Our experience is a result of our decisions, not the cause of them. We can shape our circumstances and support those around us with love and attention.
Our mindset shapes our lives. Our energy flows where we focus our attention. We can look forward to the future with hope, regardless of circumstances.
Carrying Pieces into the New Year
As we close this year and open to the next, I'm thinking about the puzzle pieces we carry both our own and those meant for others.
What if we approached the new year knowing that we don't have all our own pieces, and that's exactly as it should be? What if we trusted that the pieces we need will come from unexpected places, from unlikely messengers?
And what if we stayed alert to the moments when we're offering a piece to someone else—a word of encouragement, a listening ear, a choice to show up despite fear—even when we can't see the full picture of how it matters?
We are all messengers, whether we know it or not.
In closing, Maya Angelou's words resonate: "No matter what happens, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow."
May we choose hope. May we choose connection. May we carry each other's pieces with care.
