How To Improve Your Luck
Salty Snippet, July 2022
My favorite version of Solitaire requires two decks of cards and is a bit more complicated than the ordinary game, but it feels like a sharp person can win more easily. I play this to clear my mind and calm my nerves while I attend to working with the luck of the draw.
The luck of the draw has been speaking to me recently. Usually I just wait and see what comes up and deal with that – and then I helplessly win or lose. But Something Inside has suggested that I be a bit more assertive if I want to win: I could SAY what is needed right now, if “we” want to win.
What is this feeling of “we??” It’s the Something Inside that seems to always accompany me in my life. The very quiet little voice offering a helpful thought; it’s even quieter than Jimminy Cricket on someone’s shoulder. Here It is, suggesting that I might suggest what would be helpful for “us” to win.
So I began to do that: I’d scan the situation and say “We could really use an Ace of Spades right now.” Or a six of hearts, whatever. To my surprise, whatever I suggest very often comes up immediately or shortly! It feels like I have a partner who will help me, but will not lead: I must do the leading, I must want to win, and I must take the responsibility to say what’s needed right now for success.
This, of course, is spilling over into other parts of my life where I tend to be passive. “That’s just the way it is for me,” I think. “I never X,” “I always Y,” “It seems to be my Destiny.” I see there are some givens in my life that must be part of my Destiny – the family, time period, location in which I was born; my body with its gifts and its limitations; and surprising life influences that come along. But I also see choices I’ve made, both passive and active, which have influenced the course of the river of my life. Things don’t just always “happen.” Many times, I have not spoken up; many other times I’ve spoken or acted unwisely.
My experience as a parent, plus my observations of Nature Itself, tell me that The Source of All Life – Whatever It is – surely wants Its creations to thrive and grow and to feel good. That we will “die” is also a given, but “thriving” is the creative thrust that brings us out into life and always carries us forward. In all situations we all try to find a next step that will feel like thriving, like something good and successful for ourselves on which another step might be taken. Now, finally, late in life I realize that I can say what’s needed. I don’t even have to beg! I just have to be sharp, and then be responsible and say it, and be willing to accept the help that comes. Help isn’t always exactly as I thought it would be, but Help comes – when I’m sharp and willing.