Did you ever play the children’s boardgame ‘Snakes(or Chutes) & Ladders’?
You take turns rolling a die, and according to the number that lands face-up, you systematically progress along squares marked 1 to 100 on a 10 by 10 grid, and the first to reach 100 is the winner. But there are thrills and spills along the way, because if you “land” at the bottom rung of a ladder you get to ascend to a higher number – and if you “land” on a snake’s head you slide back to its tail that lies often far below on a lower number.
The placement of the ladders and snakes can vary between boards, for example, one board may even have the head of a VERY long snake placed at square 99. As in all games, this boardgame gives good metaphors for the game of life. What is especially wonderful about this one is that it can be played by almost anyone who is cognisant – say, from around 3 years old upwards. Its deeper value lies in many ways, including the following.
It teaches that nothing remains certain, even when you know where you are going – except for one thing – you can be certain of uncertainty.
If you decide to sit out your turn because of disappointment, nothing changes. The game continues without you. But if you keep taking your turn to roll the die—keep turning up, however disheartened you may feel—you leave open the possibility of the next ladder.
Of course, there is also the possibility that even when things seem to be going well, you then “land” on a very long snake that slides you right back to nearly the beginning.
Disheartenment quietly drains the human spirit of hope. It usually begins with some form of setback or loss. Left unattended, it erodes courage and drains motivation—both essential ingredients of emotional intelligence, and qualities we seek to cultivate within LifeRoute.
What helps to keep going is purpose. This can override whatever storms you are currently going through.
Purpose, accompanied by perspective and understanding, helps you recognise that another ladder may still lie ahead.
P.S. These insights aren’t intended to provide ready-made answers. They’re simply invitations to consider a different slant. If you’re reshaping teaching, learning or student wellbeing and would value a thoughtful conversation, we’d like that too!