Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Picking Up Pennies

On one of my runs this week, I found a penny. I stopped to pick it up and put it in my SpiBelt.

This isn't out of the ordinary for me--along with all the odd things I see on the run, I find a lot of change. I always stop to pick up any coins I see. You never know if it will bring you good luck, right?

Have you heard the saying, "Find a penny pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck"?

Do you think a dime gives 10x good luck? What about that $20 I found a few years back?

Running pays. In so many ways.

Picking Up Pennies


Luck has been on my mind lately. It's been a tough year for my family and me. There has been my youngest son's injury, which would be enough to throw anyone off course. After 4 months of recovery including surgery, he's finally healing. But there have been other things I haven't shared on the blog. My oldest son continues to give us sleepless nights, including another misadventure this past weekend. Parenting him has been my biggest life challenge.

I won't lie and tell you that I haven't felt sorry for myself this year. In fact, I think some of my melancholy has been part of the reason that I have struggled with motivation on the road.

But I'm not asking for sympathy, which is why I try not to share too much of this personal stuff on social media. Everyone has their burdens and I'm certainly not alone in that.

Instead of reflecting on all the misfortune that has occurred for us this year, I stay optimistic that things will turn around. Earlier this week, I wrote about balance. It's something I'd love to find.

After finding that penny, I reflected about the plethora of goodness that has come out of everything my family has endured this year.

In fact, I've been quite amazed at the good fortune that has come out of these bad situations. Mostly the blessings have been in the form of support and friendship. My family--my parents and my sister in particular--have been extraordinary.

You and I both know that it isn't really the penny that brings good luck. It's the hope and a belief that something good will happen that comes from those pennies.

Picking Up Pennies
And then there's Cocoa, who has been a joy and a blessing.
Positive thinking brings a plethora of good fortune.

And that's why I pick up pennies.

Do you pick up pennies? Read your horoscope? Have your cards read?

I'm linking up with DebRuns for Wednesday Word. Today's word is plethora. Check out what everyone else is saying about today's word!






67 comments :

  1. I pick up pennies (and nickles and dimes and dollar bills) when I see them as well. Yet another thing we have in common ;-)

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    1. I'm never one to pass up the opportunity for luck in my life (and $$$)!

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  2. I had gotten out of the habit of picking up pennies for years and years and years until a few weeks ago. The child truly believes it will bring us luck – – and I pocket and save each one she gives me

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  3. I think you have the right attitude in that it's all on how you look at things. You could be disappointed at the challenges life throws your way or be excited and focus on the good things and be thankful things aren't worse. Stay positive my friend!

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    1. I do stumble at times--I can't lie and say that I'm always positive. But I'm always amazed at how things turn out.

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  4. I totally read "pennies" as "penises". Why did my brain swap the two??? I agree it's not the pennies or the horoscope that gives us luck. I consider myself more of a realist. I hope for the best and try to have a good attitude with whatever life brings my way. I'll throw my pity party but then I have to suck it up and just make whatever is sucking in the moment fit into my world somehow and usually when I do that everything seems a little better.

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    1. I usually have my pity parties when I'm running. Did you know how hard it is to cry and run? Can't breathe...

      No, I haven't found any penises on the run...

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  5. Your ability to stay so positive throughout all of your challenges is so admirable and what makes you so special. I love your outlook

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    1. This year has challenged my resolve to stay positive more than any other of my life. It's been tough. I can't deny it. But what's been interesting is that the good has been equally extreme. Crazy!

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  6. I definitely pick up pennies! My daughter nearly choked on one when she was 2, so I have a good eye for spotting them and can't leave one on the ground. I've heard that if it's tails you should turn it over and leave it for someone else, but I don't do that. :-P More hugs and support for parenting - it seems like it only gets harder as they get older.

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    1. I've never hear that about turning the pennies over--does that bring more good luck?

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  7. I wish you every bit of the good luck that you so richly deserve! Parenting is a tough, demanding job and my hat is off to you for keeping your chin up. Keep picking up those pennies (and hugs when you can get them, too).

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  8. I think the very first time I commented on your blog it was to share some of what I went through with my youngest son. They do cause sleepless nights and heartache. Thank God they finally grow up. You know I send my empathy and good (and always hopeful) thoughts.

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    1. I thought we were heading in the direction towards maturity...but I once again learned that we have a ways to go.

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  9. I read a post by another blogger a while back, the owner of the local running store, and he said that people often asked him if he had a lucky shirt, socks, shoes, and he said he was one of the few who didn't have any superstitions, because he believe in his training. I found that to be the most motivating thing for training, than I thought possible.

    I don't believe in luck, I believe on consequences on our actions, both good and bad.

    Raising boys is hard work, and it takes a lot of patience and caring. I'm sure you are doing a fantastic job and giving it your everything!

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    1. I think it's healthy to have a little bit of superstition--nothing wrong with hoping for a little luck on your side!

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  10. Fun fact: Canada got rid of the penny!

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    1. Canada is so much more progressive than the US. The penny will live on forever here!

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  11. I agree with your perspective...I believe while we ALL endure hard times (trust me, this year has been no picnic for me), I believe more so what we put out in the universe we get back...it might not be today, or even next week, but the good WILL come our way. Hugs!

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    1. That is so true. I also don't like to air my difficulties to the general public because it's not what I want people to know me for. I like what you said about getting back what you put out into the universe--I want to get back positivity! Is that too much to ask for?

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  12. I pick up all change, especially while running. Monday's run netted me a nickel and my partner a dime, woohoo! Not sure I believe in luck per se, but I will admit there have been instances where I've been incredibly lucky. Mostly I try to be grateful for the good times and not super resentful when things turn to sh*t, because they usually turn around.

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  13. "Positive thinking brings a plethora of good fortune" I couldn't agree more! When we look for the good, we see it.

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  14. I am a penny picker upper too. I think we all have our ups and downs, but that is what makes us stronger. And if we wallow in our challenges, it is harder to focus on the stuff that is going well.

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  15. One of my mottoes in life is that you make your own luck. And I 100% think that positive thoughts and intentions is part of that.
    I'm always here for you. In any way.

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  16. I only pick up pennies if they're heads up for good luck. If they're not, I flip them over for the next person to find a good luck penny! :-)

    Thanks for linking up!

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    1. You are the second person who has told me that today! I've never heard that penny flipping thing before.

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  17. Yeah, that is one of the advantages of running - finding stuff/money on the ground. I also find stuff walking my dog. It pays to get out of the house!

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  18. It's hard not to let things get you down but after a bit it's so good to have some perspective. When my sister lost her husband, people would say how that was the worst thing that could happen. And even though she was completely distraught (still is) she knew it was not the worst as she kissed her then 10 year old son goodnight. Without denying ourselves our sorrow (which does no good) it really does help sometimes to remember how bad things could really be. That being said, I am sorry you are having such struggles. Keep your chin up and keep as positive as you can and without a doubt, keep picking up pennies! I really hope you have some better days ahead of you.

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  19. Such a well-written post, Wendy - and I love your attitude. We all have our burdens and it's remarkable what positive thinking and gratitude can do for us. We can all control our reactions, and thinking positive affects our responses. I haven't found any pennies on the ground, but I've found some dimes while walking Charlie.

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    1. It's not always easy to stay positive, but I always try to look on the bright side. My sense of humor has gotten me through some rough patches.

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  20. I don't pickup pennies anymore, but I'll stop for larger coins. There was a really nice stuffed animal on the roadside the other day and I couldn't help wonder how it got there. Tossed out a car window by a toddler? A Homecoming invitation gone wrong?

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  21. I found a 20 once in Waikiki and gave it to my favorite homeless guy the next day. I'm not sure who was touched more.

    I received my mom's Bible when she died of breast cancer at age 58. She had so many notes written in it and the overwhelming majority were positive. I know of some really painful things she endured during those years, but she chose not to write them down. That's an attitude I try to copy.

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  22. I am sending you many pennies laced with positivity! I feel that your blog emulates positivity, kindness, and living with intention. Love your perspective!

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    1. Thank you! That's the goal. Writing this blog with a positive perspective has helped me stay positive IRL too!

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  23. I never see change on my runs.

    My second child gave us a run for our money!! Oh my word she was challenging. Hang in there!

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  24. Keep you head up and sending you lots more pennies! The best posts are from the heart, love it! Have a great week!

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    1. Really, picking up pennies is so underrated! Everyone should do it...

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  25. I do always pick up the pennies...my grandpa taught me the day you are too good to pick up a penny is the day you need to reevaluate your worth and values...penny is worth more than 1 cent....love your persepective on it not being the penny but the HOPE it brings...I don't do card readings...just lots of prayer and journalling!

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  26. I don't stop for pennies or other coins when I run but do when I walk. It kills my momentum; I'm not that good a runner.

    Back when my boys were teens, "Dear Abby" had a column that asked if you had to do it over again, would you still have children. Those days I believed that I wouldn't, but those bad times pass and it gets better. Sending hugs your way. Your attempts to stay positive will surely bear fruit. And it's okay to have a pity party. Venting really helps. So does crying.

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  27. I read your earlier comment about running and crying... I wonder the body does that, I have also tried it a time or two and there really is no breathing through that. I pick up money when I am running. I am superstitious about passing it by. My kids are still in the mostly pretty sweet and easy stage, not looking forward to the harder stuff that comes with the teen years and all the angst! but its all part of life I guess and the beautiful journey

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    1. You are so right, it is difficult raising teens but it is a beautiful journey. Frustrating, tho.

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  28. I always pick up a penny. I too believe attitude can make or break you. It doesn't make hard times any easier though. Hoping more good times are on the horizon for you.

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  29. I always love your outlook, Wendy. You are so positive, even when things are tough. Keep you chin up, and know that things will eventually get easier.

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    1. What else can you do, right? It helps to have a sense of humor, too.

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  30. I usually don't pick up change but my boys do and they love it when they find anything of "value." Our ideas of value don't always mesh, however.
    I completely agree with the concept of "luck" and, although I have had my share of burdens this year, I too try to be grateful for my support system and all that I DO have.
    Here's wishing you lots of LUCK for the rest of 2016 and beyond!

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    1. You have to be grateful. Things could always be worse. At least, that's how I look at it. I mean, they could be better too, right? :p

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  31. I'm known in our running club for being the one to find money! I won't pick up pennies though until or unless I have already found silver on a run first! lol! I only stop for silver (or bills of course!). I've found a lot of money over the years of running. I always seem to have an eye for it even when the rest of the group has passed over it. Horoscope and cards.....not for me!

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    1. Oh, that's funny--I never wait for silver. I pick up those pennies...

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  32. I always pick up money of any denomination - I think I picked up this habit from my dad who can spot it a mile away. I figure that even a penny is a cent more than I had before. You put a great spin on this though and I think we could all take a few more opportunities to appreciate the things we have, the things that come our way, and the things that we are lucky enough to stumble upon. Hang in there!

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  33. I do not pick up pennies... because we don't have them here :) However I don't generally see stuff on the ground - I don't see very well anyway so I try to stay focused on what's ahead of me and of uneven surfaces so I don't fall. I guess that is a reflection too on how I do my best to keep a positive attitude and have that "hope" inside me that things will eventually get better. Just what's ahead and watch out for uneven surfaces in life :) I have stepchildren and I can tell you it's a whole different ball game than "regular" parenting. It's a completely thankless job. Your opinion generally doesn't matter. Your parenting style often clashes with that of the bio parents. And there's that thing where you really seem to not count at all in the lives of your stepchildren. Yet the expectations are very high. I have struggled a LOT this year with this and have felt extremely under appreciated, not loved and lonely. The summer it all came to a head. Yet... I love the kids so it's not like I can just "let go". I guess what I'm trying to say is what you already know... it will pass. They challenge us, but it will pass. It could indeed be worse I suppose, but if we pick up pennies or look for silver linings it's probably not all that bad in the first place?

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    1. Thanks for sharing--I can't even imagine raising stepchildren!

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