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What a Half-Done Puzzle Says About Your Relationship with Control

Photo by Charlies X (@moonface.xie)

Ah, January. The sparkle of the holidays has faded, leaving behind a quieter, often more reflective space. For many of us, it’s a time when the "doing" energy of the past year softly gives way to a yearning for "being." It's also a time when those beautiful new jigsaw puzzles or digital downloads we planned to conquer might still be sitting, half-finished, on a quiet table or tucked away in a folder.

And what does that half-done puzzle say? More than you might think, dear friend. It often holds a quiet mirror to our relationship with control.

The Gentle Invitation of the Incomplete

We live in a world that often praises completion—checking off lists, finishing projects, reaching goals. While these things have their place, the beauty of a half-done puzzle lies in its gentle invitation to pause. It’s a physical representation of something not yet perfect, not yet resolved. For our busy brains, constantly striving, a puzzle offers creative rest. It's permission to slow down and simply be with the process, rather than rushing to the outcome.

As a wife and mother, I understand the pull to have everything "just so." But sometimes, the most profound peace comes from accepting the undone, the unkempt, the unhurried.

What Your Puzzle Whispers About Control

Consider your reaction to that unfinished piece of art. Does it bother you? Do you feel a nagging urge to complete it right now? Or can you walk past it, appreciating the progress made, and trust that its time will come? The answer can offer insight into how you approach other areas of your life.

• Need for immediate completion: Perhaps you thrive on order and quickly tying up loose ends. While efficient, this can sometimes make us less patient with life's messy, in-between stages.
• Leaving it for another day: This might mean you're comfortable with open-ended tasks, trusting in divine timing. Or, perhaps, you're a gentle procrastinator!
• The joy of the process: If you enjoy the journey of fitting pieces, regardless of the final picture, you might be someone who finds peace in the present moment, even amidst partiality.

There's no right or wrong answer, just an opportunity for gentle self-reflection. Our Heavenly Father's grace reminds us that we are always a work in progress, and that is a beautiful, freeing truth.

A Sanctuary for the Soul

At ArtInScienceDesigns, our puzzles and digital downloads aren't just about problem-solving; they're about creating a sanctuary for your soul. They are tools to help bridge that gap between a "busy brain" and "creative rest." They offer a quiet space where you can engage your mind in a gentle way, without the pressure of a deadline or the need for a perfect outcome right this moment.

For us introverts especially, these calm, focused activities are like breath for the spirit. They allow us to recharge, to think without words, and to simply exist.

Embracing the "Being" Over "Doing"

In a world constantly pushing us to do more, achieve more, and be more, the Christian principle of resting in God's grace reminds us of the profound value of simply "being." The half-done puzzle isn't a symbol of failure or incompleteness; it's a testament to the ongoing story, the journey, and the gentle hand that guides us. It's a kind nod to the idea that some things, like ourselves, are beautifully, wonderfully, unfinished and waiting for their next piece to fall into place.

So, the next time you see that half-done puzzle, perhaps offer it a quiet smile. It's not judging you; it's simply inviting you to relax, to let go, and to enjoy the gentle art of the unfolding.

Warmly,
The ArtInScienceDesigns Family

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Looking for a moment of quiet?

Whether it's a 1000-piece jigsaw or a digital printable, there is a special kind of peace found in putting things together.

Visit my Etsy shop, find me on Creative Fabrica, or grab a freebie from my LinkTree. Print at home or play online!

#puzzles #jigsaw #slowliving #introverts #quietenjoyment #etsy #artinsciencedesigns #7propertiesga #creativefabrica