As Luck Will Have It

A holiday like St. Patrick's Day makes me think about how the concept of luck, which still exists in our society today, impacts us. Merriam Webster defines luck as a: a force that brings good fortune or adversity b: the events or circumstances that operate for or against an individual

Our belief in luck is shrouded in our good luck charms and the rituals we perform to influence our success; like wearing special socks for certain occasions, knocking on wood, or simply saying "good luck." Likewise, our superstitions that lead us to attribute good or bad outcomes to neutral events reflects our deep connection to fortune. Focusing our attention and energy on divining our luck rather than on our actual stressors temporarily alleviates some of our anxiety. If we believe these things will lead to positive outcomes, the unknown future seems to be filled with at least a little hope. This is comforting for the unknown is scary.

I think an over emphasis on luck can also lead us to giving up too much of the power over life that we do have. Luck, as the force that brings good fortune or adversity, is not the only solution to our problems thankfully. If we think in terms of good luck or bad luck we can diminish our sense of agency in the world and our ability to overcome adversity. Ultimately, leaving things to circumstances outside of ourselves diminishes our capability and what's more, our sense of responsibility.

Our worldly problems did not come about from bad luck so we need more then an oversized serving of good luck to make things better. We can affect change and help our universe mend from the stressors that have shaken its foundation. We need to help underprivileged people, angry and sad people, animals in harm's way, humans who have not been given equal rights, our rapidly declining natural environment, and ourselves. To do that we need more than luck.  We need cooperation, motivation, open minds and dedicated effort. Then who knows we may all get very lucky!