L U C K

~ Ellie

On the eve of a new year, I’ve been thinking more and more about Luck.

I choose to capitalize Luck because it’s an amazing, incredible, mysterious thing – on a par with, say, Life, and the Universe.

Life is a gamble at terrible odds—if it was a bet, you wouldn’t take it.

– Tom Stoppard, playwright, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.”

IF we live in a relatively stable country, we are lucky!
IF we have enough money to get by, whether via employment or pensions or savings, we are lucky!
IF we’ve had a good education, we are lucky!
IF we are healthy, we are lucky!
IF we’ve managed to avoid prison, we are lucky!
IF we have a family doctor, we are lucky!
IF we’ve had good friends and family, we are lucky!
IF no one tries to kill us, if we never step on a mine, if no one burns down our house, if we never catch malaria and maybe die because there is no medicine in our village and anyway our parents are missing and our baby sister looks like she will die any minute because there is no food… and… no water…

WE ARE LUCKY

12 thoughts on “L U C K”

  2. Luck? Fate? Destiny? Karma? Interesting to think about their similarities and differences but yes how life goes can’t be attributed to effort alone, as many today would have it.

    So ya, being grateful for all that is good in one’s life whatever its origin or cause is a one way to see the year out.

    Best to all.

    mimi

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    1. Indeed. The adage, “You make your own luck” only goes so far, as so much of your situation in life depends on your context – how circumscribed it is, how supportive, etc. Effort is fine, good attitude is great, but these positives too often can run up against a brick wall.

      But – Happy New Year, Mimi! And thanks for your thoughtful comments! 🎉🌺

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  4. Ellie, I try to never forget I’ve lived a life of privilege in so many ways. I worked hard for what I have, mind you, but I was born into a family that ensured I was safe, fed, educated, and given opportunity. That is LUCK!

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  5. Hi Ellie. Hope you’re enjoying the last day of this tough old year. I liked your reflection on Luck. I wrote a comment but it didn’t show as Sent. I think I wrote a second one, same kind of disappearance. Wonder what I did wrong? Any ideas? Write back only when your festivities are done – only one new year every year. Hi to John. Rosemary G-S

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    1. Hi,

      The same thing has happened to me when I first began to read Ellie’s writing here. I thought I’d done something wrong or said the wrong thing … but it was just a matter of time. I need to be more patient! Ellie’s comments and others chiming in are terrific, don’t you think? I always learn something!

      Marlene Dryden

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  6. Hi Rosemary! Sorry for the delay, I’ve been caught up with John’s son who has visited us!

    You did nothing wrong! I think it’s because it was your first-ever comment, and it hadn’t been ‘approved’ yet. Mind you, the comment I’m replying to now is visible, and *did* get sent, so… not sure! Anyway, Happy New Year! 💞🥳

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