I lucked out. Iâm a healthy, happily-married white heterosexual man with a good job in a rich country that isnât in immediate danger of war or revolution (though the local elections in May could get dicey). Itâs a bit wet and chilly here, but we rarely have extreme weather. Mostly itâs a thoroughly pleasant place for someone like me to live. (Itâs almost like the culture was built specifically for people like me.)
This leads me to two thoughts:
When write about things that have worked for me, remember how lucky I am. My luck doesnât invalidate what I have to say. It does mean that some things which are easy for me are difficult for other people.
Your situation isnât exactly the same as mine. It might be much better or much worse. But know this: you lucked out too. You donât live in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine or any of the several other places where ordinary folks are trying to survive wars they didnât ask to be part of.
Donât be ashamed of your luck or despair over those who donât have the luck you do. You canât control the effects of your birth and upbringing. Above all, donât waste your luck. What a tragedy it would be if you and I with our lucky lives didnât bring all the thriving goodness that we have to offer to the world!
Start your day with some words of gratitude, then give yourself fully to living.
âJeff
There may always be a silver lining, you just have to take the time to find it.
Grow slowly
Skyler
Living fully, very luckyđ