What would your metaphor be?

I probably like metaphors almost as much as I like quotes. 

Dictionary.com defines a metaphor as a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, like the well known Forrest Gump's 'Life is like a box of chocolates' 

  

Today's metaphor for my life is a deck of cards, because along with metaphors, I'm also quite partial to signs. Today the signs from the universe were coming thick and fast. I read two separate references today about knowing when to hold them and when to fold and walk away.

  

One was in Eden's post about addiction to gambling for the Victorian Government and the other was an IT blog about ERP implementations (which is what our project is). So there's a pretty good likelihood that there's no common ground between either of these bloggers, which made the two posts even more meaningful.

 

That, or the fact that I'm just searching for meaning in silly things. So, is that my life - a deck of cards? Well probably several decks actually and I'm just juggling all of them. Part of me thinks that I should just throw all my cards on the table and walk away and part of me is hanging out for the exhilaration of the 'win' so I keep saying deal me one more hand. 

  

But how long do you hang out for that feel good moment, because I've been waiting for the win for a long time now.

Then there's also the fear that if I fold and throw in my cards, I run the risk that the next one dealt  would have given me the winning hand.

Arrrgh, how paralysing is fear and responsibility and loyalty?

 

The reality is that you can't know exactly when to hold them and when to fold them and walk away. I'm not sure how to remove the emotion and make a balanced decision.

  

So - because it's appropriate, here's the chorus from the Kenny Rogers song 'The Gambler', kinda fitting.

  

You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done

Now I just have to figure out what the best timing is for throwing in my hand and if I'm brave enough to do it.  

  

Cheers, Fi

and here's the full song - enjoy!