Quote of the Day

“Lotteries, football pools, bingo games and the rest are the chief protection of the modern rich against the furies of the modern poor. One hangs from the lamp-post the person one hates; not the person one wants to be.” — John Fowles, The Aristos

Reasons Buy The Numbers

I have three reasons why I sometimes play the lottery.  A prayer, a gamble, and fun.

1. I hate it when I buy a ticket hoping for the miracle that will solve my financial problems. I usually know what I am up to when I do this and that makes it slightly healthier. I also know that it is a lousy bet and that I would be better off working on solutions than praying for a miracle. I still do it because it calms my mind. I am opening the door for a miracle and can now calmly look at what it would take to stop needing miracles. This only works because I am honest with myself about the reasons I am playing the lottery.
2. Sometimes I get influenced by the saying “you can only win if you play.” I usually remember that for every winner there are millions of losers contributing to the jackpot. I also know that it is a game of chance and if I play, I could win something.
3. My favourite reason is when we all talk about a huge jackpot at lunch and go together to buy tickets. It is group fun and it is about doing something with a group of friends.

Regardless of the reason, I am not worried about developing a bad lottery habit. I occasionally buy a single 2€ ticket. This week it was a gamble. The last couple of times it was a prayer. I am happy to be in a healthier frame of mind.