It has been one year since I started playing chess....at the ripe, young age of 38. I took it up because I always thought that only the truly intelligent played this game and I wanted to count myself as part of this elite group. . . . however......I have found that this is just another game like any other . . . and that practice is what makes permanent (never perfect). And of course, if not just practice, then the ability to concentrate and reason and apply some strategy and logic to your plans, attacks, defenses, offenses, etc. Also chess carries with it a pretense of prestige....but people of all kinds play this game. It is a game of Kings that has found its way into the lives of the masses since its inception.
How has chess changed my life? Well, it has proved to me that regardless of your age, you can still learn something...a skill.....a game, a language, etc.. Many times we live under old, deep-seated beliefs about ourselves that we buy into so deeply that we live them out believing them OUT OF CHOICE to be true. . . . when in fact the truth of belief lies therein. I can change the truth about myself each and every day. Isn't that cool? Now, I've always believed that anyone irregardless of age can learn something in theory, chess taught me that in practice.
Chess has changed my confidence level. I am not a top ranking player but now when I sit down at a real chessboard and play someone, I am apt and confident. I've played against terrific players online and it is thanks to you and my losses that I am able to play intelligent, high school students and actually make them work for it. I even beat them over the board. And yes, I lose lots of online games....but it's NOT a big deal. I'm a busy woman......real life is all around me and many times, an online game takes a back seat to what's real and I know that it's time to logout.
Chess has brought into my life some interesting people and great friends. In fact, I'm happy to report that I'm playing chess with some people who've become great online friends. That is, playing chess and talking to them, can lift my spirits. And so that must mean that online friends are people too worthy of respect and kindness.
And one other thing if I may......I don't like the other chess sites as well as this one. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I started here. . . and I'm accustomed to it. Maybe it's because this site is different and special. I'm not sure....but I've enjoyed being a member of chess.com.
I hope that EVERYONE has a fantastic close to 2009 and my wish for you is to continue to play and enjoy this great game in 2010.