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Snakes and Ladders (by Tanja)

 


I’m sure we all remember this childhood game which was, and probably still is, very popular for adults and children alike. 


The goal of this board game is to reach the end first, and if you throw the dice well and land on the ladders, well, bonus!! Up you go, fast forward to a position closer to the end. But, landing on the snake, is a slithery path down to a lower level and further away from the end goal. Landing on a snake was bad news and so disappointing, not to mention a little humiliating.

It’s actually a fantastic metaphor! Snakes and Ladders perfectly captures life’s unpredictability—the excitement of climbing up, the frustration of sliding down, and the sheer randomness of it all.

A few points of this childhood game stand out for me and I’d like to share them with you.

  • The Unfair Rolls – Just like in life, you don’t control the dice, you take your chance and hope for the best. Sadly, however, some people seem to get all the ladders, while others keep landing on snakes. But the game isn’t over until it’s over.
  • Ladders Aren’t Always Obvious – In life, opportunities (ladders) come in unexpected ways—kindness from a stranger, a sudden idea, or even a tough situation that forces growth. Keeping your eyes open for these ladders will help you focus, and keep that flickering flame of hope alive.
  • Snakes Are Lessons, Not Punishments – Sliding down isn’t fun, but often, those setbacks prepare us for something greater. A loss, a failure, or a challenge can push us toward wisdom and resilience. If you keep your focus on the setbacks, you’ll have difficulty moving ahead and possibly finding the next ladder.
  • One Roll Can Change Everything – Just when you think you’re stuck at the bottom, one good roll (or one right decision) can turn things around. Life can shift in an instant. As the old adage goes: The only constant in life is change (Greek philosopher Heraclitus). Everything changes. Everything moves. Don't stop rolling the dice.
  • No One Stays at the Top Forever – Even when you’re ahead, there’s no guarantee you won’t hit a snake. Staying humble and adaptable is key. It is better to expect the occasional snake than to imagine that you are invincible.
  • Reaching the Finish Line – Winning isn’t about getting there the fastest. It’s about the journey, the lessons, and the stories along the way. In the end, it’s all about perspective and how you handle things every step of the way. To put things into perspective means to think about a situation or problem in a wise and reasonable way, and to understand the relative importance of something.

Let’s face the facts. There’s no smooth sailing all the time. I’m pretty sure there were many more snakes than ladders on our board. (If you don't believe me, read our whole story). However, we’ve learned to cope with the ups and downs as they come and try to keep a positive attitude no matter which it is.

Playing a board game like Snakes and Ladders requires more than one player. Life with its ups and downs is by far more doable when you’ve got team mates, and especially one’s who have your back.

So, let's continue to play the game and keep the dice rolling ;)



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Location: Somerset West, Cape Town, South Africa

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