ONE little WORD (Post 176)

MAY 7, 2025

One little word hath often marred, or made, men’s fortunes. - Sophocles

Wish me luck! It’s going to be my lucky day! All it’ll take is a little luck!

How often have we heard people say, Good luck! How often have we said it?

When, by chance, good fortune comes our way, we may attribute it to luck. So then, what does that mean? Dictionary.com presents several definitions, one of which is the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities. Synonyms for the word luck can be fortunate, destiny, fate, or even being smiled upon by named/un-named entities.

Last month, the tradition of April Fools’ Day prompted me to examine, once again, the truths and the myths built into and around gambling. To be sure, gambling is putting at risk something(s) of value to gain unknown outcome(s). The truth is that no matter how “fortunate” a person has been when gambling, there is never an absolute certainty of winning.

Digging deeper, the one factor within the mindset of an individual with gambling disorder (formerly termed a pathological gambler) – as compared to those with other addictions – is (s)he believes one more chance to win by gambling will solve all financial problems … indeed, such a windfall from gambling will take care of any accumulated money woes… and that gambling will put an end to life’s difficulties and financial demands so (s)he won’t ever have to gamble again. Certainly, in contrast, the person with substance abuse disorder does not think one more drink/shot/pill will get rid of his/her addiction.

Then too, accompanying the gambler are many thoughts and practices re-enforced by past chance wins. The following list are common “truths” which can bolster even more “truths”. Although they may sound made up, such examples truly have been expressed.

As you read the listing, consider what similarities you may find in your own thoughts and convictions.

OBJECTS (to carry while gambling or otherwise): rabbit’s foot, lucky penny/coin, religious item

CLOTHING (to wear while gambling): articles of clothing worn during a past win (shirt, socks, entire outfit including underwear), clothing that gives you the appearance to be a “gambler” (long black leather coat, sunglasses, hat that conceals the eyes, etc.), party clothes to feel glamorous and/or set apart from normal everyday living

MOTIONS while gambling: tapping one’s fingers a certain way or onto a certain machine

ACTIONS: taking the same route to the place of gambling

CHOICES: only gambling at a specific machine and/or table

TIMING: dates, day(s) of the week, time of day/night, length of gambling (the machine has got to pay sooner or later)

So … are gamblers the only folks who count on luck? This is a broad question … but the point for each of us to meet, ponder, and decide is that of recognizing the truth of our own situations – and then, go about correcting them.

I close with the following words of wisdom.