A wise man once said not to judge anyone until you've walked a mile in their shoes. I think that's a great idea, because then you're a mile away...and you have their shoes.
When I was younger, I always preferred my own company. After all, I was the funniest person I knew. Now, I know what your thinking, but it is not as sad as it sounds... but it's pretty close. As a result I have accomplished a great deal including fighting in 3 wars, travelling the globe, earning millions and even saving the world a handful of times.
To clarify, this was during the countless hours that I abused my PlayStation 2 every night when my parents thought I was asleep. If I remember correctly my eyes did go square like everyone warned me they would. However, they then changed to a pentagon, then an octagon and continued that way until they were just a many sided circle and this seemed to cancel out the damage.
Gaming was a gateway drug to many of my other obsessive joys. From mainstream comics to Sci-fi and everything in between, I was obsessed with escapism. I was, and still am, captivated by world builders and this is the main catalyst for my own (very limited catalogue of) "work". I think a number of you reading this would disregard the average graphic novel or latest console story game on merit of their 'limited reliability' or 'outlandish subject matter'. I am under no illusion that I am going to change your opinion in this 3 minute read.
For me, the stories I have surrounded myself with have offered some of the most relatable and relevant narratives that people have been begging for. Off of the top of my head I can think of numerous examples of heroes who suffer from both physical and mental disabilities, or are impacted by stigma relating to race, gender or sexual orientation. These are characters with flaws and weaknesses that you can empathise with because for a little while you are that person. You are in control. You fail. You get another chance. You learn. You become stronger. You become powerful. You react. You heal. You overcome. You win.
Isn't that what you want from your life, to go to bed victorious? I know I do. Life will hit you down to your last life sometimes. You may not remember the last time you felt the safety of a Save point. Sometimes you want to reach out and press pause. Sometimes you might even want to turn the game off all together.
In times like this I reach for my player 2. Someone who helps me take control. Who catches me when I fail. Who gives me another chance. Who makes me stronger. Who makes me feel powerful. Who helps me react. Who helps to heal me. Who helps me overcome. And in the end when the dust has settled, the last shot has been fired, the points are added up and the Boss is dead... We win together.
Games have taught me so much over many years, but if I can pass on any of the wisdom to you, dear reader, it is these 3 lessons:
1. Find your player 2.
2. Cheating is for losers.
3. Whenever the opportunity arises, get a life.
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