The Games We Play Do Matter
One favorite game always seemed to be King of the Mountain, whether we were on the playground or in a backyard with friends and neighbors.
Reaching the top was never easy. Whether you made it there on your own or celebrated as part of the winning group, the climb was filled with challenge, laughter, determination, and joy.
The happiness that came from those moments was real because it was earned. We learned resilience, patience, teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance—life lessons that prepared us for the many challenges we would face as children and later as adults.
One of the greatest lessons from childhood games is that there are winners and losers. If you want to be a winner, you must be willing to plan, practice, be patient, and keep trying. The greatest rewards in life rarely come instantly. They come from effort, persistence, and participation.
Today, those valuable lessons are becoming harder to learn. Instant gratification from AI and screens delivers quick rewards that can make it more difficult to develop patience, self-control, and the satisfaction that comes from earning success. When screen time becomes excessive or addictive, it often replaces the healthy activities that strengthen both our bodies and our minds.
That’s why we must make reading, writing, exercise, and active play daily priorities.
These are lifelong habits that should begin in childhood and continue throughout our lives.
Remember the song “Forever Young”? Staying forever young isn’t about avoiding birthdays, it’s about continuing to build physical stamina, mental strength, curiosity, and meaningful relationships. As AI becomes a larger part of our daily lives, we must protect our ability to think independently, solve problems creatively, and connect with others face-to-face.
So, climb another mountain. Play a favorite childhood game. Read another great book. Write a letter to someone you love. The simple joys that shaped our childhood still have the power to strengthen our minds, enrich our lives, and remind us that the greatest victories are often the ones we earn.
