Pennies from Heaven

Whether we consider them lucky pennies or pennies from heaven, found pennies should be day brighteners.  They are unexpected tiny bits of good fortune.  I've always relished finding pennies, and never more than since Edgar died.  I'd asked him to send me pennies from heaven and in the months since he died, I've found more pennies than I remember finding in the past several combined years. The beautiful, comforting thing about many of these finds, is that they often appear when I'm having a tough time.  Just yesterday, a confirming penny appeared, providing me reassurance on the day that my beloved uncle died.

When we expect and accept good cheer, regardless of how small the increment, we are often rewarded exponentially.  Small kindnesses, smiles, greetings, praise, thanks and gestures are other tiny treasures that we can as easily overlook generously giving and gratefully receiving, as the penny waiting to be retrieved.

We can all make a big difference when we continually seize small opportunities to be day brighteners.

Tiny Matters

It's easy to forget how big tiny things can be:
a smile
an ant bite
a wave
1 degree from freezing or boiling
a lucky penny
1 test point between letter grades
a spec in your eye
a bang trim
a splinter
an encouraging word
a seed
pepper between your teeth
a thank you
a minute before or after a filing deadline
a split second between first place and second

Everything's connected and it all matters.

Just Enough

Over a year ago I purchased special note cards to present lucky pennies, without a plan for their deployment.  I'd also procured glue dots for my lucky penny experiment, and used most of them.  This past week, I found the perfect deployment for 24 messages of luck and love.  Unbelievably, I had just enough cards, glue dots and shiny lucky pennies (I still have a supply of non-shiny lucky pennies).

So often, we worry about supply.  It thrills me when just enough is perfect!

Lucky Pennies

Though I've found countless lucky pennies four fairly recent reassuring examples stand out:

• starting the Lucky Penny Experiment
• riding the Mega Bus
• running my first 5k
• sending a loved one on a journey

Regardless of the source, it is always a boost for self confidence when we receive a signal that all will be well.

Lucky Penny Experiment Results

Many thanks to all who have spread good luck to others!  Though other lucky pennies may still be returned, it's exciting to know that 141 people in 16 states and 2 non-U.S. countries have shared good wishes for great luck in the Lucky Penny Experiment. 

One recipient included a wonderful affirmation for the project:
"May you never fail to express all of the wild and wondrous things you are.  Have only one rule: Be your wild, courageous, brilliant self every single day.  No matter what."

Only one lucky penny broke through the envelope, and landed who knows where, rather than arriving safely back to be redeployed.

And the good wishes will continue as I share the cancelled Toy Story stamps on the returned cards to enhance my friend's stamp collection.

Lucky Pennies are Well Traveled

With one more week to go in the Lucky Penny Experiment, two more pennies have returned.  And they've spread luck far and wide:

• New York City
• Singapore
• Austin
• Portsmouth, NH
• St. Louis, MO
• Dubai, UAE
• Rochester, MN
• Boston
• Chesapeake, VA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Brenhan, TX
• San Francisco
• Mountain View, CA
• Killeen, TX
• Airville, TX
• Biffer, FL

Thank you to all who are sharing summer fun and good luck wishes!

Pennies are Lucky

Early "Lucky Penny Experiment" feedback indicates that found coins are indeed lucky.  One recipient shared that each time she's found a coin, she's made a sale.  Another recipient shared that she routinely passed along her grandfather's habit of leaving discovered "heads up" pennies to share the luck with the next finder. And one special recipient is exploring medical treatment options and appreciated yet another display of good wishes.

Thanks to all who are sharing good luck and supporting friends and strangers.

Lucky Penny Experiment

Since childhood, I've been fascinated with lucky pennies - "Find a penny, pick it up and all the day you'll have good luck."  And it's fun to pass the luck along to a friend.  One morning this week during a run, the idea for the Lucky Penny Experiment was born.  Finding a lucky penny near the conclusion of the run spurred me to action. Finding the perfect card this morning to present the lucky pennies was another exciting motivator.

The concept is simple.  The recipient of a lucky penny card is asked to sign his/her first name, city and state, then pass it on to another lucky and willing person.  Whoever has a card on August 15 is asked to drop the card in the stamped, addressed envelope in the mail.

I plan to be share penny adventures as feedback is received and when cards are ultimately returned in mid-August.  Blog comments are encouraged!

Looking forward to sharing:

• how many cards make it back home
• stories of days brightened
• the luckiest penny - based upon how many people shared the luck and signed the card
• the most traveled pennies - how far from home and how many destinations
• the most interesting story 
• if any penny became famous by association

Wishing everyone great luck!

Lucky Penny

I was leaving an event with a colleague when I spotted a penny.  As I leaned over to get it, I said the phrase that I've known forever, "Find a penny, pick it up and all the day you'll have good luck".  My contemporary knew that pennies were lucky, but had never heard the saying. 

The found penny to me is illustrative of seizing opportunities at our fingertips.  When we are alert, receptive, expectant and optimistic, we are able to seize the opportunities that others overlook.