Change is Not Luck: Chart your Path

"One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. I believe that each of us--no matter what our age or background or walk of life--each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation."—Michelle Obama

In a month celebrated the world over for shamrocks and luck, it seems important to remember that the best of our lives do not happen merely by luck. So many times, we are caught in a mindset of rationalizing a result by proclaiming that we were lucky because (fill in the blank).

Even my experience of 9/11. I can easily say that I was lucky to have been late that day which saved my life. But that discounts the fact that I made a very conscious decision to be late so I could have breakfast with my family and take back some control of my daily routine. Was I simply lucky? Did my actions cause my luck? I don't know. What I do know is that I am here to write about it, and unfortunately, many others are not. Where's the luck in that?

In reality, less of our life is a matter of luck than we might imagine. That includes the decency of our spouse, finding a new job, or even the wellbeing of our children. I believe that we are a product of the choices we make. The thing about choice is that it is a point or moment in life when we take control and select a path. Sometimes people call that 'creating your own luck.' However, as these events happen in your life, if you are truly honest with yourself, you can see that they were not luck but rather the cause and effect from your choices.

Just like the leaves of the shamrock, three leaf clovers are plentiful in the fields of our lives. We fill our days with love, faith, and hope as we watch the moments of our lives unfold. Each leaf of the three leaf clover tied together by one stem and rooted deeply into the ground.

But what do you do when you find that magical four leaf clover? You have the opportunity to make another powerful choice as to how you will seize the day. What do you do? What is written on that extra leaf that will bring life to your life? For some, it is fortune. For others, it is health. And yet, for others, it is recognition. Whatever dream is written on the fourth leaf of your four leaf clover, notice that it is just as tied to the others by the same life sustaining stalk rooted to the ground, with all meeting in the center at a crossroads.

As you stand before the crossroads of your life, which path will you take? Again, the choice to make a change in your life beckons to you. It’s not luck. Do not leave it to chance. The opportunity awaits you to fulfill your dream but you have to own it. The choice is balanced in your hands to take your life from ordinary to extraordinary. And remember, not making a choice is still making a choice.

It’s not luck. And, the path of one person can make so much difference.

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” -- Gail Devers

At Jaffe Life Design, we follow three simple rules to start Rewriting Your Tomorrow:

Live towards a meaningful vision

Small steps add up to big changes

You are accountable to make your choices along the way

We are already four months into 2009. Don't round up the year! Those moments that are ticking away can never be replaced.

What is your path? What will you commit to change this year? Share your commitment to plot your course for change for the next 30 days.

You joined us for a reason! Remember the hope you felt with the excitement of being able to Rewrite Your Tomorrow? Tell us how we can help!

Remember, Tomorrow Starts Today!

PS. Please join in our efforts to share the word about "Rewrite Your Tomorrow!" by voting for our entry on the Intuit Community site. It's easy! Vote for my Today is Your WakeUp Call! Life Lessons from a 9/11 Survivor entry and share it with all of your friends!