What are your thoughts on luck?
Do you think luck is something that happens by chance and is completely out of your control? Or are you more inclined to believe the point of view of English psychologist Dr Richard Wiseman, whose research claims that lucky people possess four basic psychological traits which unlucky people don’t:
1. They have the ability to maximise “chance” opportunities.
2. They listen to their gut feelings.
3. They expect good fortune.
4. They see the bright side of bad luck.
I’m definitely in the second camp and I truly believe that every day comes with an opportunity to attract more good fortune and greater joy. New days, clean slates, bright beginnings. Totally created. Without exception, the times in my life when I’ve focused on negative situations or felt hard done by are the times I’ve felt trapped in a cycle of “bad luck” – when really, I was just struggling to see the bright side or the greater learning.
Want to know my fail-safe way for creating more goodness? 1 x pen, 1 x notebook and a big list of appreciation for all the joy that already exists in your world. Too easy!
Treating Myself With New Loot
A few days after our wedding I started dreaming about my winter wardrobe.
With our nuptials taking centre stage since January this year, fashion and shopping had definitely taken a bit of a backseat for me, but when the shops started calling me last week (not literally – although, how dangerous would that be?), I asked myself: “Who am I to resist their sweet, sweet hustlin.'”?
And so I went.
And I bought:
Several Sportsgirl knits (not shown, but if you’re keen to stock up, their knits are going at great prices at the moment FYI); 2 x Tony Bianco ankle boots; Industrie flannet jacket for Ramai; Neon Hart shirt; Peter Alexander Floral Wide-Leg PJ Pants (umm, these are rocking my world!); Peter Alexander loose grey camisole to go with the PJ pants; Bonds striped singlet; Bonds striped hoodie; and my favourite purchase, a gold skull storage jar from Typo.
Small Changes, Big Hoorays!
I generally change up the decor in our house every few months so over the weekend I added some of our wedding decorations to our living space, and the result feels so fresh!
Hot pink has definitely weaseled it’s way in to our lounge room with the cushions I showed you last week, and some pink spinny chairs we have at our desk that are draped with sheepskin. I’m really liking it. Sometimes little tweaks are the best kind.
Dinner Dates with My Husband + New Discoveries
I have a secret hobby – discovering new places to eat, eating there immediately after and then telling the whole world about it. Seriously, how do I get on the payroll at a few of the establishments I rave about to anyone that will listen? Pretty sure I could be raking in the (pizza) dough (ooh, snap!)
I’ve always been a big believer in the ol’ “sharing is caring” adage – unless we’re talking chocolate or shoes – so without any further ado, let me introduce you to one of my new finds: The Office.
Inspired by The Office TV show, this super cool restaurant in Palm Beach is run by the outrageously energetic Katie Goodwin, who incidentally I used to hang out with as a teenager (I didn’t make the realisation until the day before we went). The food is Italian and delicious and it has funny little names like The Mark Zuckerberg or the Chairman of the Board. Cute.
The place is completely decked out like an office, and there’s a Boardroom for group functions and a Valley room for getting loose enjoying a quiet beverage with friends. We struggled to get a booking and I saw the waitresses turning away “walk-in’s” so I’m thinking The Office will be the ‘new place to be’ on the Gold Coast – which suits me fine, as it’s about 5 minutes from home!
Freedom
It might sound strange to say I feel “free” since I work full-time and have a blog/ other commitments (don’t we all), but after the hectic storm that has been my life for the first 6 months of this year, I can truly say that I feel relaxed, unencumbered and totally carefree right now. Life feels easy and light.
There was this constant niggling thought that I should be doing something when I was organising the wedding, but in the wake of all that, it’s all about pacing myself and living my mantra: “Do more of what makes you happy.”
I’m currently writing an e-book (and good news – it’ll be beautifully designed AND it’ll be free for you all!) and at first, I wanted to knock it out in a few days but something inside me told me to ease up. So I’m learning this whole ‘slow’ bizness… and loving it. Reading, admiring the ocean, hanging in the park, snuggling up in my PJ’s and baking treats for work friends have all been bringing me joy of late, and that, my friends, is awesome.
Happy Finances
Something that’s made me really happy over the past week is the knowledge our wedding was totally paid off before the Big Day, meaning that there’s been no lingering bills or loans hanging over our heads now that the dust has settled.
Ramai and I funded our wedding 100% by ourselves, so it feels good to look back with a certain degree of satisfaction knowing that we worked towards the day of our dreams, and we pulled it off by sticking to a regular savings plan and building our funds steadily over time.
Despite my little shopping blowout mentioned above (err, we’ll pretend you didn’t see that) we’re right back into saving mode now and have set a new target which we’re both excited about reaching. If you don’t commit to it, it won’t happen after all, and we love travelling too much not to save up for our next adventure!
+ Over to you: what do you think about luck – is luck simply fate, or is it self-created? How do you feel lucky right now? Fan the flames of appreciation below. x
Image: Mackin Ink
This post was just what the soul ordered!
I couldn’t agree more about living a ‘lucky’ life. It is all about making the most of opportunities and having the right attitude.
I’m feeling lucky lately for all the new pathways opened since being married. The whole process introduced me to my creative side (hello, have we met?), something that until then was still sitting at the bottom of my Year 10 Graphc Class school bag!
I am now studying graphic design, collecting decor & furniture (still) simply becuase it is something I love and will use to change my career.
Also feeling lucky we have a fireplace, as it was -1 this morning.
I love having your posts pop back up in my Bloglovin!
Killer post my friend. And killer photos!!
I might have to go hunt out that skull from Typo too…
On luck, I think you create your own.
Do good work, do good things, do what you love, and eventually it’ll all come back to you.
But lately I’m feeling super stoked about all the awesomeness going on with my work + life in general! I’m getting some really cool jobs & opportunities come my way, and I’m loving it!
Crazy, but amazing times.
Yew!
xx
love the new outfits! i would totally take you shopping for me – i can’t shop like that :/
Monika: So true, isn’t it? I couldn’t agree more re: weddings allowing your creativity to flourish, and love that it’s spurred you to study graphic design! I think I dream about become a graphic designer once every few days (or maybe just inserting the skills into my brain!) so let me know how you’re finding it all, I’d love to hear. xx
Sian: Oh thank you lady love! Trying to take the camera out more and have a fiddle around now that we have more time. So much to learn, but that’s part of the fun. I’m so thrilled with you with all that you have created in your life. I think we’ve known each other for about 9 months now give or take (but feels like forever, in the best possible way!) and I adore hearing about your adventures, learnings + growth in your career + life. Keep rockin! xx
Whitney: I’d be honoured :) Just warning you, I’m an in & out shopper. Quick game’s a good game! x
I’m completely with you on the topic of luck — if you put good in, you get good out. Simple as that. :)
I’m super jealous & PROUD that you had your wedding paid off beforehand! Not many couples can say that, and it’s incredible that you were able to do so. Way to go!!
I’m pretty pumped to see you posting on a regular basis again — I love your posts, and I especially love all of the loveliness this blog brings my week! xoxo
Kate: You’ve nailed it!
Thank you – it’s definitely a good feeling and I guess something to be proud of.
And yipppeee, I’m pumped to be back! xx
Yep I’m totally with you on Luck!
For me it’s all about perception. If you only look out for the negatives that is all you will find. I also think it’s important that when we have a curve ball thrown at us that we don’t let that influence future outcomes. A little bit of Carpe Diem never hurt anybody, there’s good fortune in everything if you look close enough.
Beautiful post :)
So so true Jenn, it’s about recognising & then moving onwards & upwards. That’s the key. Thanks lovely! xx
Yep – totally agree on the subject of luck. I believe everything happens for a reason. So there is a reason that opportunities come along, but it is up to you to make the most of those opportunity, explore what it exactly means and create your own luck out of that.
Loving the pics, loving the fact that life feels easy and light for you, that is a great description. Awesome post, thank you :)
Nikki
Oh and.. what is making me smile at the moment?
My lovely man. The fact that I am out of a job and looking for a new role, which gives me plenty of relaxation and me time. The beautiful blue Sydney winter sky. And the Lady Gaga concert last night, exceeded all expectations, oh yes that girl can sing!
Nikki: All the best for the job hunt lovely, but sounds like you’re making the most of the downtime, so keep enjoying that sunshine and the slower pace. Happy Friday to you xx
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