Unlucky

The first time I was solo driving on a longer trip was to my older sister’s house at college. I had ridden as a passenger on this trip numerous times. Internet maps were available, but this was the era where MapQuest had to be printed. I didn’t bother. I knew the major highway and would recognize the rest. It would be fine.

The drive was a little over 50 miles, basically suburbs on the opposite sides of Dallas. I had a great friend with me. We told jokes, shared comfortable silence, and blasted music. It was such a pleasant drive. We both had curfews, so our turnaround time on this errand needed to be tight.

The drive was taking longer than I remembered. I did not recognize the exits I was passing. Then I saw the signs that we were crossing the Red River. Followed by the “Welcome to Oklahoma” sign. I missed my exit by over 50 miles. It was an extra 100 miles after we doubled back.

I might label this experience as unlucky. Perhaps it was, but I chose that luck. I had many opportunities to know and take the correct exit. There were signs along the way, and I did not pay attention. Each of these “doors” of opportunity, or luck, stood wide open as I blew past every one, not noticing, not paying attention to a single one, until I finally came across a sign so big I had to acknowledge it.

The entire trip was wonderful. Traffic was light. The weather was perfect. I was comfortable and making incredible time. But it did not matter because I wasn’t going where I needed to be. There were plenty of chances, but I was not looking for them. Since I wasn’t looking, I did not take them. I wasn’t unlucky. I was distracted.

Am I willing to work harder to create more luck? Can I prepare and watch for the opportunities? Am I paying attention?

Be curious, be kind, be whole, do good things.