Life is like a chess game. That isn't a new thought, but it is true nevertheless. Full of strategy and planning of moves in the future. I set up an imaginary chess game when I work for a new client. He (or she) sets the rules as far as their security plan or desires. I play the part of the thief or terrorist or industrial spy who is trying to break in or steal something. Then I counter the "thief" with real life obstacles or barriers. If I play the game well, I can thwart most any crime before it happens. I just have to be able to imagine it before it happens. That's the game. When you live it, it really does feel like a game of strategy. Particularly after an attempted and stopped burglary or a thwarted assault or bombing.

Sometimes all you can do is mitigate losses, both human and dollars. Make sure the bomb detonates at least 30 feet from the building. Prevent casualties by protecting the glass from shattering or glass slivers from flying. That kind of thing. Did you know that most injuries from a building blast are caused by flying shards of glass? Think about it. If a bomb went off in the street, outside of a sixty story building, how much window glass do you think would fly? how far away do you think people would be injured from it? Even if you are insulated from the shrapnel and concussive effects of a bomb, think about how little force is needed to turn a pane of glass into a thousand deadly flying objects.

I's a chess game in any job. Making sure you do your job and that the boss knows it. Averting problems due to another worker that may affect you. Or, socially, how much to talk about a particular subject. Do you want to speak out about politics? how about social issues? Education. What happens if you say one thing, or another? How will you deal with particular events. We call it planning or being proactive. To me it's all like a game of chess. Several games going on at once. The more you have on your plate, the more games you play at once. Too much on your plate means that you apply the wrong strategy to the wrong game. Keep it simple, and try to play one game at all times. Smaller goals like capturing the Queen or your opponent's rooks can be planned along with your end goal to win.

But what do we win at the end? It isn't eternal life. So what is the prize? I think the answer is that there is no end. The best you can do or hope for is a stalemate and a very long running game. Because if you win, you die. You accomplish your life goal, then there isn't much to live for. How many people do you know or know of that died a week after they retired?

The prize is whatever you set your life ambition for. If your desire in life is to reach retirement, be careful when you retire. Because when you capture the King and retire, it's game over.

Not for me. My children will always need me. I will never achieve all of my goals (I hope). I don't want to lose either. My opponent may take my Knight or my Bishop, but I can't let my opponent take the King, my life. I won't forfeit the game, even if I am boxed in and can only make one move, back and forth forever. At least I am still in the game.

I am not creative enough to think of a real catchy word for it. Just "Life Chess". It's a game we all play. On some level I think most of us know it. We keep making references to life as a game on a daily basis. Listen to the way people around you talk and the terms they use. You almost can imagine that you are listening to a sportscaster.

Today I am playing defense. I just want to take it easy today. I have some errands, but I don't want to get into anything more than I have to today. Maybe next week I will be more aggressive, capture a pawn or two, maybe a Knight. Now I just want to rest.