I few weeks ago I was sitting in the local casino at a slot machine.  I had already spent my small budget and was sitting waiting for other members of my party to complete their transactions.  I decided to indulge myself in one of my favorite activities.  people watching. Trust me this is one of the best places to do an observation of human behavior.  People do all kinds of things while partaking in the gambling   experience ranging from talking to the machines, touching the screen to pulling out small “good luck” mementos.  I just sat and watched, and enjoyed my time.

I was sitting next to an older man when he completed a spin and suddenly his machine showed that we was going to win 10 times his original $300 winnings….or $3000.  At first, I was not sure I had done the math correctly, but once the machine began ringing loudly and locked with the message “jackpot won, call attendant” I was sure.

The interesting thing was everyone around him was very excited and happy for him, while he appeared very nonchalant and unaffected by the whole thing.  I even said to him, “wow, that’s gonna be $3000.  He said “Yeah it is,” with the calmest demeanor and emotions I have ever seen in a person about to receive money.   As a point of reference, I used to work at several gambling facilities, and have seem people win large sums of money.  People began crowding around the machine, and commenting, still nothing visually from him.  Finally, the attendants came by, unlocked the machine, make some notes and told him they would be back with his money.  He still sat there, staring into the universe, saying nothing, looking really unconcerned.

Meanwhile my friends came to the area where the commotion was and saw me.  One of them said, “I thought you were playing that machine that just hit.”  I responded “earlier I was.”  My other friend said “I wish I could win like that.’  Then out of nowhere I said, “Well I guess that win was meant for him, not for any of us. That is HIS $3000.  That’s HIS jackpot.”   For whatever reason HE we supposed to win that money, at that time, on that machine.

By that time the attendants had come back, paid him, and unlocked the machine.  He tipped both of them $20, said a very quiet thank you, and disappeared into the casino crowed as quietly as he has come and sat besides me an hour earlier.   One of the onlookers came and sat at the machine, while another woman said “that machine probably will not pay out like that again. He took it all.”   My friends and I laughed, walked around and finally left the casino, with only $300 more between us than we entered with.  However, the message regarding destiny remained in my mind.

What is YOUR Jackpot? What are the things the universe has specifically for you? Maybe you think you don’t know what they are yet, so let’s tell or reframe the story another way……what are the things you have received that you are thankful and grateful for expected and unexpected?   How are you showing the universe you are grateful? Are you asking for what you want or are you asking for what you think you can easily have?   Everything you ask for, think about or say becomes a part of your mindset, so we must be mindful of ALL of our thoughts, both positive and negative.     Are you complaining that you didn’t receive what you wanted at the time you wanted it?  Or are you happy for the little things knowing that a little thing to you might be a major accomplishment to someone else.  For example, I work with a woman who has had several strokes, and doesn’t have the full use of her hands.  She can’t hold sandwiches or cut food by herself, and can’t eat things like crab legs, or peel and eat shrimp without assistance.  Until I worked with her, I took for granted the ability to crack open crab legs or hold a foot-long sub sandwich.

Many self-help experts agree that the more you express gratitude for what you have, the more you will receive, because the universe hears the thank you and opens the door for more blessings.   So, this art directive if to describe your jackpot.  What would you consider your unexpected windfall?  What does it look like?  Is it in the form of money or some other form?    When and how would you like to receive it?

 

Materials

Art paper or art canvas

Drawing pencils

Glue stick or liquid glue

Miscellaneous items such as old book pages, old magazine pages, old newspapers

Look for images that support your vision of your jackpot.  Cut out the items and glue them to the canvas.  Place them before you actually secure glue them down to make certain you are happy with the placement.  Let your thoughts and instincts be your guide.  Make the canvas or paper full, as this shows the

Below are some samples for your inspiration.   Take pictures if you wish and share them via the blog.

Happy Creating!!!