Legos

I've had two Lego stages in my life.  I've never thought until now that Legos are more than just a toy.  Just like the many loose pieces at the beginning are potentially something, Legos represent potential.

In my first Lego stage as a kid, I felt a bunch of emotions.  They were simple emotions.  I can remember being excited and happy when getting them.  A little time later, when I was alone I remember feeling overwhelmed by the number of small pieces in front of me.  I had an image in my head and would start building.  I remember feeling satisfaction knowing what I was going to do.  This was often followed by feeling frustrated searching for that piece to fit that just wasn't there.  Finally, I would realize I needed to do something else.

I remember doing this all again.  And again.  Legos are a frustrating toy!

In my second Lego stage as a parent, I also felt a bunch of emotions.  They were a bit more complex.  I remember being vicariously excited and happy when the kids got Legos and helping do them with them.  However, that feeling was mixed with all my parenting and other adult responsibilities.

The Legos often came with instructions.  They were still overwhelming and still frustrating, but now those feeling were not simple and mixed with thoughts about dinner and bedtime.

They still had that potential though.  Sometimes pieces don't fit and sometimes it was required to go back several steps.  The product at the end was still satisfying.   It was satisfying in a different way, as an observer.

Taher, the "pieces" won't always fit.  It's part of the deal.  The end will be satisfying.