Solitaire as a comparison to life

Solitaire teaches lessons about yourself and life, as well as applies to all your endeavors. Here are some points to keep in mind: Dealing out three or more of the same card value makes it tough to win. This relates to overindulgence or too much of the same thing. Variety is the spice of life.

A great start does not always mean you will win. It can give false hope and immediate disappointment.

A slow start does not always mean you will lose. Hang in there; things could change.

Don’t depend on luck, hunches or chance. These are superstitions that are not sure things; don’t bet on them.

Take your losses in stride. Persistence wins out sooner or later. We learn from striving.

Take your wins in stride. Working to succeed has more satisfaction than the win itself.

Don’t be overconfident when you are close to a win. Pride goes before a fall.

Don’t brag about winning. Everyone recognizes a true winner.

Some wins are necessary to be motivated to keep playing. But the game you’re playing right now is what’s most important. Do your best.

Set up a system that works best for you and stick by it.

Each fall of the cards is different. You can’t know the outcome. This keeps you alert.

Stay alert, or you’ll miss some plays. Opportunities are your responsibility.

If you cheat, who knows it better than you? Be honest with yourself.

When you lose a game, don’t put yourself down or make excuses. Move on quickly.

Things may be going along well or badly, and then take a quick reverse. Accept it and move on.

Sometimes, you just get a bum deal.

Nobody wins or loses them all.

You can have all but one or two cards played and still lose. Be ready for last-minute changes.

Sometimes, you have many losses or many wins; it just happens.

Do you still want to play?

—Betty Herman, Mutual 5