Every week when we buy groceries, I always see a line of people buying lotto tickets in the lottery counter. I can see their hopeful faces, young and old, milling around the counter and jotting down what is hopefully a "lucky number." Some are already in dreamland, thinking of what to do if they hit the jackpot.... buy a big house, car, clothes, pay off the mortgage and credit cards debts, travel every year and buy more gadgets... the list does on. The harsh reality comes the next day, when we find out that none of our numbers didn't even show up, or that someone is luckier than us. Okay, back to reality, back to work, back to studying, and back to the work grind. We are not lucky at all, we sigh.
Sometimes it is a blessing that we didn't get what we wished for, as pretty much some of us asked for things or events for selfish reasons. Imagine if we give in and grant our child every toy, wish or new gadget that they want. We will end up spoiling our child and giving him or her a self-centered and unrealistic view of life and the way they relate to other people.
I would like to think that not winning the top prize or any consolation prizes in the lottery or contest every time, is a stroke of good luck. Adversity, challenges, disappointments and setbacks, makes us humble, diligent, stronger and more passionate about living. And when we do prepare, work and get the top prize or reward, it is more satisfying and meaningful because we have earned it. Finally, Lady Luck is on our side.
"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck." - Dalai Lama
Picture credit: Frank Boenigk
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