What a thousand-piece puzzle taught me

When my favorite fashion illustrator created a puzzle with her illustrations, I had to have it!

A 1000-piece puzzle seemed daunting at first, but I did not know how it would test my patience over the next five months.

Although, the packaging stated that it would take 3–10 hours; I believe this was a typo.

The first day was enjoyable after I located a table and began sorting all the puzzle pieces.

I tried to divide the puzzle pieces by colors and patterns, but some areas were so similar that I struggled to come up with a solid organizational scheme.

In the beginning, I was working on the puzzle daily, sorting and putting pieces together, and it was exciting each time another piece would come together.

But impatience set in, and days would pass with nothing happening. I’d become frustrated and walk away. It could be a couple of weeks before I sit down and connect more pieces.

Then moments would happen where my hand would grab a puzzle piece and place it in its position. I’d be in awe as pieces were connecting with ease and small sections were complete, and I felt victory!

And then I would pass by the table, just eager to complete another section, but nothing would happen.

I felt like I was riding a roller coaster of inspiration!

But as I completed more sections, I’d pause and say, “I did not know how I was going to put these pieces together, and now look, it’s done.”

Five months later, I had just 20 puzzle pieces left that frustrated me for days as I couldn’t get them to click!

Early this morning, I completed the puzzle!

As I look at the puzzle, I am in awe of how many times I felt like it would never be complete, but my perseverance kicked in.

And I impressed myself when I framed it and hung it on the wall in 20 minutes!

The Complete Puzzle is a perfect vision for my Fashion Styling Business.

Yes, I’m taking my own Feng Shui advice!