photo credit: All Glass Photo
“Once the game is over, the King and the Pawn go back in the same box.” — Italian Proverb
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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Really love this thought. When it all comes down to it, we are all interconnected and not separate from anyone. No one is better than anyone.
It also says to me to embrace diversity because we are all in this together. The delusion of separateness is what continues to plague humanity. As you discussed in your connections piece, having these connections which are continuing to increase makes life more fulfilling.
.-= Elliot Lozano´s Last Fabulous Post ..13 Life Lessons Learned from My i-to-i Travel Experience =-.
Love the simplicity of this Sunday thought– the magic of the words and the picture– you are a genius
.-= Suzie Cheel´s Last Fabulous Post ..Fridays……… =-.
If we create our own game and enjoy playing it, then there is no comparisons or negative distinctions while playing such a game. It will be a role that comes from the Heart.
.-= Bern ~ Walking in Stillness´s Last Fabulous Post ..Pacific Crest Trail 2009 ~ part 6 =-.
Hi Lance: This reminds me of what I once saw written on the tomb of a Spanish Bishop; it was something to the effect that death is the great equalizer. At the end of the day we all end up in the same place.
.-= Marelisa´s Last Fabulous Post ..Energy Management: Getting More Done =-.
Interesting quote and oddly timely as well.
not as morbid as it all sounds).
my husband and I had the death as equalizer talk last night (tied into illness as equalizer precurser
in the end we are all indeed the same.
thats the key huh?
now to realize it earlier
.-= Miz´s Last Fabulous Post ..World Diabetes Day: 11.14.2009 (giveaway post). =-.
But wait! Sometimes a piece (unfortunately) goes astray and never makes it back in to the box. And that’s really bad news. Ya know what I mean?
Lance,
Such a wonderful, simple, but perfect thought
“We are all truly truly ONE!!!”
One but unique in our own essences….just the way God intended us to be
All connected into one Net of LOVE by the UNiversal PLan
Thank you for this lovely reminder.
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s Last Fabulous Post ..Lavish Love =-.
Amen
.-= Jeanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..I love Winnie the Pooh =-.
This is a good one, Lance. At the end of the day, we all put our pants on one leg at a time and no one is more important than the other. This is a lesson to be learned in business, on the soccer field, and in our every day relationships.
.-= Joanna´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday School =-.
We are all one. here is a thought I found running through my head this week: Life is not linear and there is no hierarchy. Absolutely, there is diversity which is key to our survival. But the thinking of “better than”… really has no place. Instead. let’s all sit and eat ice cream sundaes and celebrate being here together!
And you know Lance.…PEACEOUT BEANSPROUTS’ cause we are all in this together!
Katie
.-= Katie West/The Levity Coach´s Last Fabulous Post ..To Laugh or Not to Laugh? =-.
Lance,
I do think of this often. Whenever we feel afraid of or impressed by someone superior, better, bigger, prettier etc, we should remind ourselves that these people fart too, have zits and their own fears.
And be reminded also that it’s very lonely at the top. I recently saw a Ceo have lunch all by himself in a full canteen. I only felt pity. I mean, do they ever get invited for dinner by people hierarchically below them? Do they ever get to dance at a fun party?
If we treat them as equals and with respect (which also means not being afraid to speak up to them) they will be happy and respect us in return.
M
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..A picture of you =-.
Hi Lance .. hope you’re having a good weekend and course .. enjoy the conference. Once it’s over — it is as you .. that is relevant to each moment of each day .. hence the Power of Now .. enjoy each and every moment ..
Thanks — Hilary Mleton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspiriational Stories
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..A is for Apple — an Apple a day keeps the doctor away … =-.
Hi Lance, love that quote. I’ve used it myself before.
.-= Stephen — Rat Race Trap´s Last Fabulous Post ..How To Be Rich and Happy =-.
Oh,I just love that quote!! What a great one, that to me is a reminder of how we are all created equal before God. And of “the great equalizer” as noted above.
Speaking from personal experience, it isn’t always being queen for me, but I do try to treat all my minions well
Like my blog manijir, Blue Bunny … I just gave him a raise and an all expenses paid vacation to Buda, Texas.
And did this comment go into spam again? Am typing from my cell phone.
Isn’t always EASY being queen , that should read above, of course.
Thanks.
This immediately brought to mind my former work environment. Whenever my boss would become nervous about the machinations of management’s odd silences and whispered manipulations, wondering which way the wind blew, considering all the political intricacies of his actions, such as should he say this to that one, do this, or do that… I would remind him to simply be himself and to remember the others are just people. Simply people. …no different than he. We are all just people who are simply doing different things. It always calmed him and he was able to be himself.
.-= Julie´s Last Fabulous Post ..More in Love Than Usual: Celebrating Fall =-.
Hi Lance — this is a good one. My dad used to say, we all put our pants on one leg at a time. My brother tried jumping into his pants just to prove that he was different, too. LOL
.-= Betsy Wuebker´s Last Fabulous Post ..Down to Sleep: The November Garden =-.
My take on this…will someone please stand up and tell all coaches and parents this!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..One Brave and Amazing Teenager =-.
Love it! Exactly the message I try to convey to Hunter when we are playing anything… it’s about enjoying the game, the process, the journey.
.-= Lisis´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inspiration from Marcel Murrell (1916 – 2009) =-.
Your post beautifully illustrates that we are all one. And it also makes me consider that during the game, chess pieces aren’t really in control, they are being played by someone else.
.-= Diane AZ´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekend Reflections — New View =-.
Hi Lance!
I first saw this quote on a stepmom blog and immediately thought of moms and stepmoms who struggle and fight with each other. That said, this is true of any manipulative, toxic, or adversarial relationship. One day you might have the upper hand and be the King. Other days you might be the pawn. Either way, if you’re playing the game, you’re stuck in the same box until you lay down your sword.
Great quote!
.-= Peggy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Be Like Water ~ Your Moment of Bliss =-.
I love this quote. Its a great reminder that we’re all really the same. I put my pants on one leg at time just like everyone else.
.-= Jess (Fit Chick in the City)´s Last Fabulous Post ..Fair Weather Runners =-.
Great quote. I looked at it a little differently though (imagine that!). When the pieces go back in the box, they look exactly the same as when we took them out. Therefore, it’s all about how we play the game, the journey and being different and better for it, on the inside! So we might continually look the same, but are we making change for the better in our hearts when we go back in the box? Just some Sunday morning weirdness– : )
.-= Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Disco Elves =-.
Love this quote! I’ve never heard it before but it’s SO true. Thanks, Lance!
.-= Positively Present´s Last Fabulous Post ..words to live by: this is gonna be a good life =-.
Wise words that really emphasize to me that we are all one and in the end any kind of status means nothing. We all came from the same place and we all go back to the same place. Everything in the middle can be seen as nothing more than a game we choose to play.
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Interview With Mike Nickerson: Sustainable Living, Money, Happiness and the Environment =-.
Hi Lance,
Ain’t that the truth! When all of this is over…we all go back to the same place and our titles really do not mean a thing in the long run. Actually, they really do not mean anything when we are alive either but people think that they do. The quality of our soul means so much more than our material possessions and our bank accounts and our education and so on.
.-= Nadia — Happy Lotus´s Last Fabulous Post ..Hanging Out with Hemingway =-.
Love this, Lance! What a great quote.
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Gardening Tale =-.
I love this quote! It reminds me that no matter where we are in life, we are ultimately all in the same boat.
.-= Carla´s Last Fabulous Post ..Choices =-.
As a chess player myself, this is so true. Something that I try and show my kids is that it really isn’t about who comes in first, but rather how your relationships are when you finish. Are we creating dissension among ourselves or building bridges?
.-= Diane Fit to the Finish´s Last Fabulous Post ..These chairs aren’t made for sitting =-.
Thanks for this Lance — that’s an important reminder, I think, to let go of our prescribed social roles and crack jokes with the person serving us coffee once in a while rather than barking or mumbling out orders.
Simple, yet powerful Lance. I haven’t heard this quote before. I like it! There’s an element of respect here — friendly camaraderie.
.-= Davina´s Last Fabulous Post ..New Lives: Stories of Rescued Dogs =-.
I love it! I never heard this quote before! I wish that people in this world could all treat each other more equally.
.-= Caity´s Last Fabulous Post ..I’ll focus on singing instead! =-.
Reminds me of this quote (that someone may have mentioned already):
“Alexander the Great and his mule driver both died and the same thing happened to both.” — Marcus Aurelius
.-= David Turnbull´s Last Fabulous Post ..Dealing with Down Days and the Tale of Two Anchors =-.
Short and sweet but powerful. I’ve never really understood why celebrities and famous people are revered like they are. They go back in the same box as us too!
.-= Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s Last Fabulous Post ..Kick Arse Question – I Need Your Help =-.
Hi Lance! Hey do you feel this? It’s the whole ONE box/we are ONE theme. Wooo wooo, we are thinkin’ alike again. I love that quote — hadn’t heard it before but boy, doesn’t it punch truth?!
.-= suzen´s Last Fabulous Post ..One — A Hopi Prayer and Bono — Awesome Combo! =-.
Chess? Chess is good. Can I be the queen? If not the queen, then I want to be the horsey. I think they are pretty cool too!
Great point. We try so hard to reach goals (win the game), but in the end we all end up in the same place. Sometimes I find myself trying too hard and feeling upset when things don’t work as planned. I’m learning to adjust and enjoy where I am at.
.-= Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..Hard Fun and Beautiful – Ripped Web Edition =-.
Hi Lance:
Wow, that’s such an awesome photo and simple, profound thought. I’ve always believed that we humans are more alike than we are different…no matter our color, race or religious beliefs. Thanks for getting the week off to a good start!
.-= Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekend Musical Diversion: Cy Curnin =-.
@Elliot — All in together is such a key isn’t it…and do we realize that always?? Hmmm… When we make those deep connections, this sure does make it all so much more fulfilling. Thanks for that reminder!
@Suzie — I saw this picture almost right away…and just knew it fit the quote perfectly!
@Bern — Having our heart in what we do, that makes such a difference. And being in THAT game is an awesome place to play.
@Marelisa — Hi Mare. I love that, about death being the great equalizer! It sure is…
Miz — Wow, that really is very interesting that you had this talk just last night!! Good though…as it’s just a great reminder that no one is all powerful and mighty here on earth…
@Yum Yucky — Ha!! And what do you suppose that is telling us?? Maybe that sometimes we wander, sometimes we return, and sometimes…maybe we don’t really return. Unless there is someone out there looking for us…compassion maybe?
@Zeenat — We are ONE…isn’t that a very peaceful and completing thought. Love, very much, may be just that thing which unites us all…
@Jeanne — Thank you Jeanne.
@Joanna — You bring up a great point, Joanna. This applies everywhere, not just to us as adults, or to our working life, or whatever — it applies always…
@Katie — Diversity and uniqueness are so key to us all having rich and fulfilling lives (well said, Katie!). We all bring our own special talents to the table, and so “better than” really is a negative way of thinking. Maybe we could think of it as — we are not complete by ourselves — it’s through our connection to others that we can become whole, can become ONE. And to that, I’ll join you for the ice cream sundae! (and hey, you’ve been saying it all along, haven’t you!)
@Mimi — Yes, these people that are in higher positions than us…they are no different than us in the problems they have…they are human, after all. And that’s interesting that you bring that up about the CEO you saw…in that case, maybe it’s important to remember that this is truly a two-way street.
@Hilary — Thanks much Hilary, the training program is all week long this week. I shall enjoy all the moments…and you too!
@Stephen — It’s so reminding, isn’t it…of how are all much the same…
@Jannie — Blue Bunny gets to go to all the cool places!! Before God, yes, we are equals…and there’s a level of comfort in that…even if it’s hard sometimes to feel that way here on earth. Oh, and no — your comment didn’t go into spam (and that’s a mighty impressively long comment on your phone!)
@Jannie — Hey, you are back! And got it!!
@Julie — We are all simply “people”…Julie, I love it!! Maybe it’s not always easy to remember that…and that we think of some people differently — really, though…at our core — we are all flesh and bones — much the same.…
@Betsy — Hi Betsy. Yep, we all put our pants on the same way (well…unless your brother was successful with the jumping plan!!).
@Tess — Coaches and parents, in what should just be fun physical activities for kids — definitely get a bit overboard sometimes. Everyone has something to offer…
@Lisis — You are teaching Hunter some very wonderful lessons, Lisis! He is lucky to have you as his mother. Really, what you are doing is setting him up with compassion…and that’s a great thing to have.
@Diane AZ — Oh, that’s a deep thought Diane…this idea of the pieces of the chess board being played by someone else. I suppose you could say that for each of our lives, while we can control so much…some things are out of our control (the driver behind us, the angry employee at work, etc, etc). And that can affect our life… Diane, there’s probably a lot more to this too…as to how we view a Higher Source in our life…and what role He plays…if any…
Peggy — Hi Peggy. Toxic relationships all too often focus on position. And what is that really getting us, by getting pulled into this? We are breaking that “oneness” that we share…
@Jess — Yes, really we are all human…and we all put our clothes pretty much the same way…
@Audra — Well…how about that, you looking at it differently!! And…I love the angle you took. It’s about our journey through our life that can change us on the inside — for good or for bad. And when we make those changes that are for good…when we go back into that box, we’re leaving the chess board of life a litte better off…and that’s pretty awesome. And do you know what else Audra? I’ll take your weirdness any day!
@Positively Present — It’s very telling, isn’t it Dani — about how much we are really quite the same…
Evita — Yes, we are all one…and in the end, what our position is doesn’t matter. It’s really about our connection to others that matters. This reminds me very much of ashes…and for me, that really signifies where we came from, and where we will someday go. It’s our soul that lives on…and that’s something deep within, and that’s not position or power…
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. We can get so easily wrapped up in the so-called power that comes along with position. Really, though, these people are people just like you and I — suffering, rejoicing, agonizing, living…until our life here on earth is done. And I love how you’ve brought “soul” in here…I so much agree with that, and how deeply important that is.
@Jodi — Thank you Jodi!
@Carla — While we may be traveling different seas, in our journeys through life, yes — we all end up in that same boat in the end…and in there, it doesn’t matter what your position is…
@Diane Fit to the Finish — Relationships matter! So simply stated, Diane…and so true! Here’s to building bridges that bring us all closer together!
@Chris Edgar — And that’s a great point — and something worth touching upon. We never know what fully led to a person being exactly where they are today — and what has also led up to where they are in this particular day. And we always have a choice in how we respond…let’s choose to lighten up and be approachable. And social roles can go out the window for that!
@Davina — Respect…I like how you’ve used that word here. It is! When we have respect going in both directions, that is so much better for creating that oneness…that connection that matters.
@Caity — It’s great, isn’t it! And yes, if we all treated everyone more around equality and abundance, just think of what a difference that would make.
@David — Thanks for sharing that Marcus Aurelius quote — yes, they both ended up in that proverbial box…
@Sami — Short and sweet…just like YOU! Well…I don’t know about the “short” part, but I’m positive about the “sweet”!! some people draw so much hype because of their position…really, though, how different are they? In the end, not really different at all…unique, sure…but in the end, we all go back to something much more internal (my take, anyway)…and position plays no role in that.
@Suzen — There’s some real synchronicity going on here!! We are all ONE…especially when we can unite instead of divide.
@Laurie — Laurie…you CAN be the queen!! Just remember, back in the box, we are all the same!!! (I think you get that way good!).
@Karl — Yes, there’s definitely something there about enjoying the moment. It’s all we really have…and even if it doesn’t go as planned (just like a bad chess move), we can still keep on trying, and keep on enjoying the whole journey. And especially soaking up those in our lives, and all they offer too.
@Tim — Hi Tim. That photo just fit this quote so, so well! Yes, I think we are quite alike too. In fact, I think Lori (Jane Be Nimble) wrote about it once, and how scientifically speaking — our makeup is very much the same. And that goes a long way toward this idea of oneness, in my book…
Hi Lance,
Love it! Just like we all put our pants on one leg at a time.…although I bet some try to jump in both legs. (Josie?)
This quote reminds me that even the less fortunate, the hurt, and the mentally challenged go in the same box as well. We could all extend a little extra compassion keeping that in mind.
Thank you for helping me remember that.
Happy Sunday!
.-= Angelia Sims´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday’s Healthy Reflection =-.
In the box we’re all the same? Well only if you wear a tiara too Lance! I’m planning on keeping mine on!
Somebody once mentioned when people talk about past lives, not many mentioned that they were thieves or bad people. Hmmm.
Ego tripping over past lives, we sure do know how to stay out of that box.
.-= Wilma Ham´s Last Fabulous Post ..All conversations are not equal in intimacy. =-.
Excellent quote, Lance — it’s brand new to me and you know I love quotes.
If I recall correctly, you coach childrens’ sports (if not, I hope you do!). We need more coaches like you to teach these values to our children. Right on!!
.-= Linda Abbit´s Last Fabulous Post ..Contests for Caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month — November 2009 =-.
I love it. LOVE it. What a simple, yet powerful quote!
.-= Adrenalynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Picture Perfect Meme =-.
I am currently listening to a song called “US” by a rapper name Brother Ali.
“There is no me, there is no you, there is only us”
I thought it was perfect listening to that and reading this. Thanks for the quote!
I’ll take your weirdness any day too Lance, oh wait. You’re not weird. Well for the day that you are, I’ll be here for ya buddy!
.-= Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Disco Elves =-.
Ooh I love love love it! At first when I saw the chess pieces, I thought “oh no, not another life is a game metaphor” (at least not the zero-sum games!). But when I read the quote my whole face lit up and I smiled like a kid again. It’s just so true, and such a great reminder!
.-= Nathalie Lussier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Everything is Relative, Including Food =-.
lol HOw true!
i’m always surprised at how much one little quote can move me. checkmate! i love it, lance. i needed to hear this today as i navigate my self-created landmines amidst the world’s liberal and conservative persuasions. life is hard. your blog makes it better.
.-= jen´s Last Fabulous Post ..major reports reveal gen x NOT disengaged in civic affairs, politics afterall =-.
Wonderful thought, one that goes in different directions I see by reading some of the comments here.
To me, this says tomorrow’s another day. Even the pawns are useful, strategic, and sometimes crucial in winning the day. Tomorrow, today’s mistakes can be rectified, new moves tired. And always, every day, the potential for a win and a game well-played is there. Possibilites. Hope. Our job is to get out of the box daily and pursue those possibilities.
That’s my take on this great image!
Barb
It took me forever to make it to my favorite Sunday post but here I am
Lance this is great. It reminds me of when kids fight and get mad at each other. as a mom I want to get involved but then I realize, from experience that kids are way more forgiving and they will end up in the same sandbox together within a few hours. When adults fight it takes a lot longer to get back in the box, instead we avoid each other. My point, at the end of the day we all have to live together, tolerate each other and have the ability to forgive and move on. Thanks for this and every Sunday post — such a great way to start my week, even if a little late sometimes 
.-= SpinDiva´s Last Fabulous Post ..Stay in the game =-.
To true, Lance. As others have stated above, it’s both a sobering and humbling thought to know that in the end we will all return to dust. Which makes the inequalities of the world all the more stark and unnatural, and helps focus our mind on what we have in common instead of what keeps us apart. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Extreme Fitness Blog´s Last Fabulous Post ..Health Benefits of Yoga =-.
I love the depth of the one-liner. It’s always interesting to me to see how people change their lot in life, or make the most of the lot they’ve got, or waste it … or worse, pondering their dreams instead of making them happen.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Balance Connection and Conviction to Reduce Anxiety and Lead Effectively =-.
@Angelia — Yep, Josie’s kind of crazy, isn’t she!! And right on — when we really think about the end of our time here on earth…and what happens to each of us — compassion should be the standard.…(and I’m sure you get that already Angelia)
@Laurie — Hmmm…I’ll have to think about the tiara…
@Wilma — Ah, yes…we sure do seem to do well at not seeing the bad in past lives!
@Linda Abbit — I do know you love quotes, Linda! And yes, I coach soccer right now for my daughter’s team. And that’s a great point about youth sports, and how this surely applies there too. And thank you, so much, for your wonderfully kind words…
@Adrenalynn — Hey, great to see you here!! Simple is sometimes the best, isn’t it…
@Rocky — That line from the song sure does fit so well with this…there’s a togetherness, or a oneness — that I feel from it. And what a great thought to go along with this Proverb.
@Audra — Ha!! How about this…I’ll be weird, if I’m not already, if it means we get to meet!! Wait…I suppose that means I have to be weird in YOUR neighborhood…
@Nathalie — You know…and now I am wondering if (or maybe when) I’ve used “life is a game” metaphors here…hmmm.…and now for some reason, I’ve got a country song stuck in my head. I’m digressing though, aren’t I? There is such a simple truth in this quote, and it’s so great to think about, especially when we (I) might be thinking a little too highly of myself.
@Lisa’s Chaos — Thanks much Lisa.
@Jen — Jen, thank you. Really, your words mean so much to me. Keep on being a beacon of hope (you are…).
@Barb — Hi Barb!! Possibilities…what a great word to use with this quote. And in getting out of the box each day, there are always new possibilities that are there for us. I love the thought!!
@SpinDiva — Terie, it’s great to have you here whenever that is. Wow, I’m just loving all the different directions this quote has went in. And what you’ve shared is unique, and so wonderful! At the end of each day, we end up in the same box (house, apt, dorm, etc, etc) — and if we can get along out there and work together on the chessboard of life, how much better that will be!
@Extreme Fitness Blog — And we do have a lot in common, don’t we! So, what a great place to put our focus. And if we can do that, what a much better way to share the compassion in our hearts.
@J.D. Meier — So simple, and also so deep! We’ve got one shot here on earth, that we know of…how do we want to use it? Dreams are great to shed some insight into our direction, but that only helps if we take action…