My horoscope says that today is the luckiest day of the year for 2011; for everybody. There’s an alignment of the planets and sun and moons that makes today a good day for everyone. That’s cool. I love that idea, but luck has long been a subject that mystifies me. I mean, if luck is something that is the result of an alignment of the planets or something (like a full moon on the tides), then I think get it. But what if there’s more to it than that?
What is luck, really? And I’m talking GOOD LUCK, here. Is it good fortune caused by chance? Winning against significant odds? A circumstance that operates for good in a person’s life? Is it prosperity? Opportunity? That which is fortuitous and happens outside of or plans or control? And is luck something that happens whether you believe in it or not?
The prevalent quotes I’ve seen on this subject generally characterize the phenomenon as where preparation meets opportunity. I like that. When I look at the New York Times Best Sellers list, I know that the authors listed weren’t lucky to get there. They worked hard, and improved their craft with every passing day, word choice and sentence until their story sang. Eventually, the quality of their writing spoke to their agents, editors, publishers, and finally thousands and thousands of readers. It sounds like magic, but I know it was a lot of work. I keep reminding myself that the writing speaks for itself, and I’m getting closer to where I want to be with every word I write. I can feel it.
That said; I’m buying a lottery ticket today anyway. I mean, you never know, right? Bonne Chance.