A question rather than a quote.

Some people think they were born lucky, others not so much. Some people don’t believe luck is a thing, that the balance of good and bad comes to us all.

I choose to see good and I choose to believe in luck. I’m not bothered about being proved wrong or right, I know that perceiving that I’m lucky, that I’m likely to win is more enjoyable in the ‘now’.

Early this week I heard an advert for a competition on the radio, the winner was to be announced on Friday evening. I gave some thought to what I would do if I won and myself and my imagination had a lovely time over a cup of tea making hypothetical plans. Adult life can often be dull, I also choose to lighten life with games. I made the decision that if I saw a Robin before Thursday I would purchase a ticket. I’ve no idea why a Robin but then again, why not? On Wednesday I saw a Robin and it made me laugh. True to word, I went home and purchased a ticket. Friday evening came and I carved out time to listen to the radio station to hear ‘me win’ – I went for a walk and listened live, awaiting my phone call. It was excited and as the announcement of the winner got nearer I thought about what I’d say, how I’d accept my prize and how this win would alter plans for the upcoming weekend, after all it would be a weekend sprinkled with celebration! I’d probably call my parents and let them know first. My heart was beginning to race as the radio played out the dialling tone. I looked at my phone…

The announcement came and some b*tch called Janet won. On this occasion Janet slipped in, in the last moment and stole my prize…and then I laughed in spite of myself and realised that the ticket had bought me more joy than the financial cost of the ticket. Instantly I was happy for Janet and knew that my time wasn’t this week. I’d enjoyed imagining the win. I could comfortable afford to lose and in some ways I had won. My dull routined week had a dashing of joy and mystery, the unknown made life feel a little fired up and for that I consider myself lucky.

Why not me? They had to call someone. It made me reflect on all of the ‘wins’ I’ve had in life, from esoteric health and safety to church raffles and poetry competitions as a child. In that moment I felt blessed.

Cinderella apparent lived happily ever after with her man, why not me? Janet won the competition, at another time in the future, why not me? There might be a promotion at work, if I go for it, someone has to get the job – why not me?

This isn’t a post about gambling, if it was it’s a great post to remind you that the odds don’t often fall in your favour. It’s about seeking joy and having your own back – why not you? In the lead up to Christmas, hold back some magic for yourself. Make up games that make you chuckle as you see glimmers of serendipitous moments appear in your world. Enjoy the mundane and never forget your imagination is as fabulous as you dare to dream.

For those that may find the gambling aspect of this blog resonates https://www.gambleaware.org/ is where you can find free advice and guidance. GambleAware is a charity registered in England and Wales (1093910) and in Scotland (SC049433) and incorporated in England as a company (04384279), limited by Guarantee, and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales & the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).