Lucky

The other day I received an email from a dear friend of mine. She’s known me for years, in fact we were roommates in college.  I had emailed her earlier about various things and happened to mention that an item I had listed on Ebay was going for three times it’s actual value with more than one day left to go in the auction.  Crazy!

Her response, “You really are one of the luckiest people I know!”  This caught me by surprise.  I’ve never considered myself to be luckier than anyone else.  I’ve never won the lottery or any other huge prize giveaway.  I’m still waiting for Publishers Clearing House to show up on my doorstep! But to prove her point she listed several recent occurances which I’ll share with you:

– Having a stranger in the car in front of me at the Starbucks drivethru purchase my drink for me – twice!

– Having a friend who knew what a huge UC fan I was offer to take me to the tournament games in Nashville (we sat in the 5th row center court!!)

–  Getting a new roof for my home thanks to a hail storm and insurance (my old roof was on it’s last leg)

– Having a girlfriend surprise me with a fabulous purse I had off-handedly said I loved

– Getting a nice ebay windfall selling something I didn’t need or use

I realized she was right – I am pretty lucky.  It’s not so much about winning contests as it is about getting what you need when you need it.  Whether that’s a kind word, surprise free hot chocolate, an expense avoided or a chance meeting with a business contact or friend – it’s the timing that makes it lucky.

In the past eight months, I have thrown caution to the wind and ventured out on a new path of self employment and a life filled with more happiness.  By nature I’m a planner and a worrier.  I had let the what-ifs and fear of failure prevent me from taking this path for many years.  What I have found however, is positive energy begets positive energy.  Worry attracts more worry.  It’s a choice really.  If you don’t believe me – next time you are with a group of people – begin complaining about something.  Anything.  Watch what happens.  I’ll bet there are several that jump right in and join your negativity.  And there may even be a few that pull away from the conversation – the positivity people who don’t want to be brought down and will start their own side conversation.  Negative people find each other.  Choose your group wisely!

I have also found that I am lucky.  I have gotten what I have needed just when I have needed it. Whether that’s a new client, an encouraging word, a great deal on something I needed or even a new friend – I’ve been lucky.

Since opening my own marketing business and pilates business, I have met some wonderful people.  I have been inspired, motivated and gained a new kind of confidence only doing it all yourself can bring.

Least you think I just sat back and waited for good things to happen – that is not the case.  I might be lucky but that’s because I work hard and I make my own good luck.  I don’t expect it and I’m pleasantly surprised when things go my way.  I get up every day and I get to do what I love – that’s pretty lucky.

Lucky is a mindset really.  It’s seeing the advantage in a situation – not the disadvantage.  My challenge to you today is to acknowledge your own luck.  How have you been lucky? Is it a chance encounter, a good deal, a near miss, a success?  I’d love to hear from you- feel free to comment and share your ‘lucky’ if you so desire!