LEVEL 64

"I can't seem to pass Level 64!” exclaimed my wife for what seemed like the twentieth time.  

"It's just so frustrating.  Sheryl is on Level 70.  How is she doing it?" my wife continued.
 
"Can't help you, JoMarie.  I don't know what you are talking about.  Ask Lauren.  I think she is on Level 150 or something." I  said, as I shook my head and left the room.
 
Level 64 is part of an online game called "Candy Crush."  The goal of Candy Crush is to match three, four, or five candies to earn points. Matching four candies in a row earns a special wrapped candy that can clear a whole row. Match 5 candies in a row to earn a big chocolate ball. The chocolate ball, once matched with a color, removes every candy of that color from the board. Combine special wrapped candies with striped candies to get a giant candy.  The giant candy can destroy a number of candies. During jelly-themed levels, jelly candies cannot be moved.  
 
Sounds simple enough...right?
 
We often times come across our own "Level 64's."  It's those moments, those days, those weeks, where something or someone is blocking our way.  We find ourselves hitting our heads against the wall in hopes that something will happen (or at least in hopes that our heads will stop hurting).  It's at these times we need to reach for our "Help List." 
 
Our Help List

• Help me to think through things more clearly
• Help me be more patient with myself and others
• Help me to put away distractions and stay focused on the moment
• Help me to swallow my pride and ask for help
• Help me to listen to advice even though I may not understand it or agree with it
• Help me to be more grateful for my family, friends, company, and country
• Help me to let go of the past that is holding me back from moving forward
• Help me to embrace learning something new; something miraculous
• Help me to be open to the change I want to be (... even though I may be afraid)

We all need our help list from time to time.  Whether working on a new project, joining a new work team or trying to pass Level 64 on "Candy Crush."  Our success and happiness are largely influenced by those who help us, and the times when we reach out to help others.  To the end that we can start each day saying, "Help me, help others...to help themselves."
 
Until Next Friday,