Do You Feel Lucky?

 Why do we feel lucky?

We tend to consider ourselves lucky when something desirable happens that feels out of our control, as if fate gave us a wink. Luck is often the name we give to the gap between effort and outcome, especially when the outcome exceeds expectations.

When do we feel lucky? When Chance Favors Us

Winning something: 

A raffle, lottery, or even a random giveaway.

Avoiding misfortune: 

Missing a car accident by seconds because you stepped back to check the stove or coffee maker, or finding out you dodged a bad investment.

Serendipitous timing:

Arriving just as the last seat is available, or meeting someone special by pure coincidence.

When Effort Meets Unexpected Reward:

Getting a job offer after a casual conversation.

Receiving help when you didn’t ask: 

A friend you didn't see for months shows up just when you need them.

Finding something valuable without searching: 

Like stumbling on a rare book or painting at a yard sale, or stumbling upon a dream job advertisement.

When Perspective Shifts

Gratitude reframes reality: 

You realize how good you have it compared to what could’ve been. Living in a peaceful country, when watch videos of dying people and starving children in warzones.

Surviving hardship: 

Looking back, you feel lucky to have made it through a long surgery after an accident and you feel lucky that the surgeon was able to save your leg.

Being born into certain circumstances: 

Health, safety, education, things we didn’t choose but benefit from.

Luck is often a story we tell ourselves to make sense of randomness. But it’s also a feeling, a mix of surprise, relief, and joy. Sometimes we say “I’m lucky” not because the odds were in our favor, but because we feel deeply grateful.

Do you feel lucky?

www.authorerikamszabo.com

Who Are You?

 Positive versus Negative Attitude

Having a positive attitude means focusing on the good in people, situations, and events instead of dwelling on the bad. For instance, even when facing a string of unfortunate events, one might still remain nice and cheerful with others saying, "Have a great day" while the negative person replies with a bitter "What's so good about it?"

A negative attitude is when someone chooses to focus on the negative aspects of people, situations, events, etc. rather than acknowledging the good. For instance, even if a person has abundant power, wealth, and influence with exceptional luck, if they still find reasons to complain and rant, it shows a clear example of a negative attitude.

Gratitude is a powerful and uncomplicated feeling that encompasses being thankful and appreciative of the good things in life. It entails acknowledging and valuing the kindness, support, or positive moments one has experienced through others or from life itself. Gratitude brings a sense of warmth and appreciation that can uplift one's spirits, strengthen relationships, and improve overall well-being. It's like an emotional expression of gratitude that serves as a reminder of all the positive aspects of life, even during difficult

Being thankful is a strong emotion that can positively impact our lives in numerous ways. Showing gratitude and nurturing it within ourselves has been connected to heightened levels of joy, enhanced physical wellness, improved mental state, increased self-worth, and overall satisfaction with life.

Scientifically proven benefits of being thankful: 

• Being thankful allows for more opportunities to form relationships.
• Gratitude has a positive effect on physical health.
• Expressing gratitude can improve overall psychological well-being.
• Feeling grateful increases empathy and decreases aggressive behavior.
• Individuals who practice gratitude tend to sleep better.
• Having an attitude of gratitude can enhance self-esteem.
• Gratefulness is linked to greater mental resilience.

Limiting beliefs can hold a person back and create unnecessary boundaries around their self-worth. When these negative beliefs are prevalent, individuals may find themselves feeling trapped in their comfort zone or settling for less than they deserve. 

Negative: I'm going to fail no matter how hard I try, so why even try?

Positive: I might fail, but what if I fail? I can learn from it.

Negative: I always fall short of my goals despite my best efforts.

Positive: I consistently give my all toward achieving my goals.

Negative: I have already given it my all. There is nothing else I can do.

Positive: I gave it my best effort, but there is always room for improvement. How can I continue to improve?

References: my psychology studies and decades of nursing experience.

Erika M Szabo

https://authorerikamszabo.com

Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introducing her story-writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as magical realism, alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative, and educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.