Lucky!

My word of the week from Andrew.

I have been very lucky in some ways, and not in others, like most people I guess. But what really is luck? To be fortunate. But how? Financially, intellectually, in relationships, with having good health, being in the right place at the right time? So much of being lucky is based on timing, and timing is based on having all the stars aligned just so. If I go left I see a red door, if I go right I see a blue door. But what is behind each door? One door may be lucky and one may just be a blue door.

I have surely been fortunate in many areas of my life. I was lucky enough to be born to two loving parents, grew up in a relatively stable family (I mean all families have issues), lucky enough to be raised in a country which allows me many freedoms, and therefore allows my chances of luck be greater.

A lot of luck is what you make it. Now I know that sounds cliché, but you have to have your eyes open to certain things to be open to luck. Sure I could win the lotto on the one time I actually remember to buy a ticket, and yes, that would surely be lucky, but, it was my initial act to allow that luck to happen too.

I feel lucky for having choices. That is probably the biggest luck I have.

Having said that, I don't poo poo any culture's symbol for good luck either. Bring on the shamrocks I say. I have my cherished red knot I received from Mr. Lie, the "cricket master" in a Hutong in Beijing happily hanging on the inside of my front door. I also hang a horseshoe over my front door and my Tien Lieu, I purchased on the path of the Sacred Ming Tombs, sits over my doorway into the kitchen.

A much more formal version of the Tien Lieu.
My modest one was however purchased in a very sacred spot,
therefore having more "luck". Time will tell.
But, between you and me, I'm feeling kinda lucky about now.