My brother was recently working on a puzzle featuring characters from the Peanuts cartoon. Seeing Snoopy or Charlie Brown always brings a smile to my face. I think of the Christmas and Halloween movies, comic strips and more. I was appreciating the memories  the puzzle was bringing back when my brother pointed something out: 

There was a piece missing.

Now, we could get frustrated about a missing puzzle piece in general, but the missing piece was from the title of the puzzle and had an even deeper meaning.

The puzzle’s title was “When Happiness is a Good Friend.” What happens when a piece of your friend is missing? Or, even to the extreme, when a friend has passed and earthly presence is no longer felt? 

I am going to step back and bring even broader context to this.

When any one of our friends is not bringing their full and complete self to the world, something is missing. It may be a skill, a personality trait, an energy…you name it. When it’s not being expressed or given to the world, a piece is missing. Our friends miss out. We miss out. 

Maybe as you read this, you realize that a piece of you feels like it’s missing. This is a common issue we all struggle with. We don’t usually bring our full and complete selves to the world. It may be because we are afraid or feel like it doesn’t matter.  But we all matter. You, me, our world, our actions. It matters.

Here are 3 keys I’ve discovered that help me find and connect with the missing piece.

1. Put intentional time in prayer and meditation. This helps quiet the mind, noise and distractions. If this is a new thing, start with 5 minutes. You can gradually build to more time.
2. Spend time with friends who really see you—they will remind you of your brilliance. I schedule regular coffee time with my trusted friends. Honoring your core values lead to fulfillment. I’ve found that time with friends is one of the fastest ways to honor and connect with these core values.
3. Notice what tasks, work, or activities give you energy. Make sure these energy fillers are scheduled into your routine. Energy brings more energy. It also fills your cup faster.

Of course there are more keys we could discuss. This is a place to get started. Friends, please take note if you have a missing piece to fill in. Do you have a friend with a missing piece? Maybe it’s time for a cup of coffee. 

We are created as creative, resourceful and whole human beings. Not a part of a human. A full human being. Let’s work together to fill in the pieces of ourselves to bring even more brilliance to the world!