Bring Your Own Sunshine

I remember when I was little, my dad used to say "you make your own luck."

It really is true, and the way I knew it was true, was of course, not because my dad told me - we all know your parents are never right - but because I had Eeyore as an example.

(There isn't much you need to know about the world that can't be gleaned from Winnie the Pooh, you know.)

Eeyore EXPECTED bad things to happen to him, and so they did. His expectation was a welcome mat. Also, if you're expecting bad things, everything can be interpreted to fit your expectation, if you're really determined.

Of course, the opposite is true too - if you're expecting good things, everything can be interpreted as a good thing, if you're determined.

I was re-reading this book (I think I need to read it about 10 more times) - Manage Your Day To Day - and the part that really stands out to me is the section on serendipity. Specifically, putting down your phone when you're in public and letting serendipitous things happen. Being open to them. Not being Eeyore.

And then, like magic, this article showed up in my social media feed. Here's an excerpt:

‘Unlucky people are generally more tense than lucky people and this anxiety disrupts their ability to notice the unexpected.'

‘As a result, they miss opportunities because they are too focused on looking for something else. Lucky people, on the other hand, are more relaxed and open, which means they see what is there.’ 

So how can you be more open to serendipity? 

Wiseman has a few tips. Be outgoing — the more people you are in touch with, the more chance encounters you are likely to have. 

Be prepared to deviate from plans. Unlucky people hate to break their routine. Don’t be afraid of failure. Serendipity smiles on people who try new things, instead of worrying about what could go wrong. 

Research is also looking into whether our increased reliance on technology is reducing serendipitous opportunities. Technology is making our lives more efficient, but it’s also making our world narrower, which is the enemy of serendipity. 

I love that there was a whole study on it.

As if I needed more than Eeyore, but still. It's nice to have backup.

Now I'm not saying that if your tail comes off and someone sticks it back on with a nail that you're not going to have a bad day - I'm just saying - more Tigger, less Eeyore is a recipe for good luck! :)

All of these random thoughts because of my new stamp - Ray of Sunshine. :) I LOVE this sentiment. I made this card for Lynn's Dare to Get Dirty challenge this week and I just couldn't wait to share it.

I used the new What's Up punch to punch out a bunch of arrows. I stuck them down to watercolor paper with Hermafix and then spritzed the paper with Tangerine Tango and Daffodil Delight ink mixed with rubbing alcohol. I stamped the sunburst from Kinda Eclectic on the card base with Daffodil Delight before I added the panel.

Here are the rest of the images in those sets:

So there you go, sparkly people! Bring your own sunshine! :)

Loveyameanitbye.