Have you ever read a book written nearly 100 years ago and thought, Wow… this feels surprisingly relevant today? That was my experience reading The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn.
Originally published in 1925, this little book explores how our thoughts, words, beliefs, and actions can influence the way we experience life. Shinn describes life almost like a game, one in which we each have more influence than we may realize. And I loved it.
One idea that stayed with me is Shinn’s belief that we each have within us the power to create our reality through our thoughts, our words, and our actions. That doesn’t mean we can control everything that happens. Life brings unexpected turns, disappointments, and challenges. But we can choose how we respond, what we tell ourselves, and what we do next.
Be Mindful of the Words You Speak
Shinn places a lot of importance on the words we use, especially when talking about ourselves and our lives. One quote from the book really made me stop and think:
“The subconscious mind has no sense of humor and people often joke themselves into unhappy experiences.”
— Florence Scovel Shinn
Think about how easily we say things like “I’ll never be able to do that,” “I’m just not good at this,” or “Nothing ever works out for me.” Shinn’s point made me wonder how often the words we repeat become messages we begin to believe. Instead of “I can’t,” perhaps we could say, “I’ll see what I can do.” Instead of “I’m not good enough,” perhaps, “I’m still learning.” Our words don’t have to be relentlessly positive, but they can be kinder and more hopeful.
Your Path Doesn’t Have to Look Like Anyone Else’s
Another idea that resonated with me is what Shinn calls “perfect self-expression”—finding and expressing the unique gifts within you. I love that idea, especially as an artist.
It’s easy to look at someone else’s work, success, or life and wonder if we’re doing enough. But maybe we’re not supposed to follow someone else’s path. Your creativity doesn’t have to look like mine, your dreams don’t have to look like someone else’s, and your definition of success doesn’t have to fit anyone else’s. There’s something wonderfully freeing about discovering your own way.
The Power of Perspective
Our thoughts can’t prevent difficult things from happening, but they can influence our confidence, choices, and actions. If we constantly expect the worst, we may stop ourselves before we begin. Approaching life with hope, gratitude, and openness may help us see possibilities we would otherwise miss.
I also loved Shinn’s encouragement to release envy and comparison. Instead of spending our energy wishing we had someone else’s life, we can use that energy to create something meaningful with our own.
For me, that’s the heart of the book: We may not be able to choose everything that happens in our lives, but we can be intentional about the thoughts we nurture, the words we speak, and the actions we take.
The Game of Life and How to Play It is a quick read, but it gave me plenty to think about. Not every idea will resonate with everyone, but I think it’s worth approaching with an open mind and taking away the ideas that speak to you.
Nearly a century later, Shinn’s message about intention, gratitude, and believing in our possibilities still feels meaningful. Sometimes an old book has a surprisingly fresh message—and sometimes that message arrives at just the right time.
Have you read this book, or experienced something similar in your own life? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! 💖
Wishing you a thoughtful and wonderful Thursday. 💖
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