49,000 Minutes

 

Three weeks ago, some of you joined me in 21 Days Of Gratitude. We wanted to test the Harvard research to see if we could form the habit of living gratefully. And if so, were the promises true? Could it significantly change our lives?

 

Twenty one days later, I’m not positive I’ve formed an actual habit yet. It’s a fragile one at best.  But I do catch myself taking stock more often throughout the day. A kind word or deed means more to me now – and I’m resisting the urge to complain about the hardships in my life. I get the sense I’ve planted some important seeds that will bear fruit in time. But if all I gain out of this self-experiment is what I can currently see, it’s reason enough to have done it.

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Allow Me To Introduce Myself

Without a doubt, the question I’ve been asked most often in my life is, ‘’How did you get a name like Chance?’’  The follow up question is always revealing.  “Did your parents take a chance?’’ with a wink is most common.  “Do you have a brother named Community Chest?” or some reference to Monopoly is the most interesting.  I have fun categorizing people based on that recurring conversation.  And it always cracks me up when someone delivers their line with the gusto of a person who believes they’re saying something completely original.

photo credit: wickedly-inspired.deviantart.com

I spent a good deal of my young life trying to avoid that unavoidable question until one regular evening at our kitchen table.  The conversation turned to the jokes I’d endured that day and my Dad said something that instantly made my name a badge of honor to proudly wear.  “Do you know why I named you Chance?  I wanted to give you a name to live up to.  I wanted you to be reminded that you don’t ever get ahead in life without taking a risk.’’  .

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