Superstition abounds. Many children learn this phrase and are absolutely convinced that something genuinely positive is going to happen to them if they pick up a heads-up penny on the ground. Heaven forbid that the copper penny is lying face down, because that ensures the opposite. It’s better to just not pick it up. Who would want to risk the unfortunate for a penny?
Something about that childhood mythology teases our adult consciousness when we see a penny on the ground. If we pick it up, we don’t give too much thought to the consequences of whether it is heads up or heads down anymore. We always hope for the positive regardless.
There was a moment recently when a group of four was trying to come home from a trip afar. They planned ahead to make sure there was plenty of time to refuel and return the rental car, check in and get through security to catch the flight home. Everything was going smoothly except for one minute detail: they didn’t review the itinerary. By the time they got to the airport the plane was taking off. They missed the plane because they were convinced that it was leaving an hour later.
They had to change to flying standby. It was a waiting game. The only problem was that there were people back home who were depending on them returning in a timely fashion. Everything was going according to plan, but now it was uncertain.
While making phone calls and preparations in case the following flight didn’t have room either, one of the group found a penny on the ground and picked it up. Another person, in hopes of any positive sign asked, “Was it heads up? Or heads down?” Heads down was the reply. “We’re going to miss this flight too, I guess.”
A few moments later another person found a penny on the ground near where they were sitting and picked it up. Again the question, “Was it heads up? Or heads down?” This time heads up was the reply. “Maybe there will be room for at least some of us on this flight.”
A few minutes later the intercom rang out that there was room for all members of the group. Excitement ensued. The trip home was back on some footing and likely all schedules would be kept.
While walking down the walkway to the entrance of the plane, the last of the four members smiled and shared what not everyone knew. Apparently after finding the face-down penny, she reached into her purse, found a penny and placed it on the ground face-up to be found by another member of the group.
By doing this, she said that we could “…make our own luck.”
It’s a good story. A true story. When it comes to your health, are you leaving it to chance? Or are you taking proactive steps to live a long and healthy life by daily doing whatever it takes to live life extraordinaire? It involves daily activity and motion, healthy nutrition, positive thinking, and a healthy nervous system through regular chiropractic care.
It’s been said that luck is “when preparation meets opportunity.” When it comes to your health, don’t be at the whim of chance. Strive daily to make healthy choices. Make your own luck.
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