Act on every opportunity, for it seldom knocks twice.

One of my daily meditation books define opportunity as "a special arrangement of circumstances offering a person the chance to step in with ideas for something new, something better, something unique. It can show itself as a favourable occasion, time or place for learning, saying or doing a new thing. It offers a means of self-expression".

Why is it that some people seem to have all the luck? Why is it that they always seem to be in the right place at the right time? Yes, I often wonder why opportunities seem to be there for other people, whilst I talk about opportunities I missed. Sound familiar? Perhaps I should realise that opportunities do not always arrive neatly gift-wrapped just for me. That it also arrives in the form of failure or series of disappointments.

Some take advantage of opportunity because of the willingness to get there and take a risk, or perhaps because of greed. I often think that factors of success are a blend of talents and hard work. I'm reminded of the salesman who does not stop with the first call he gets, or the second or even the fourth; the job seeker who does not give up after being turned down countless times.

I also think it is not a question of luck - that opportunities are all around me... in every area of my life - opportunities to have a good health, to have a blest home, to find a job I am happy with, to achieve financial security or to secure a lasting relationship with someone I love.

How can I take on these challenges then? Two things come to mind: awareness and belief in myself.

Awareness. I can be aware of the countless opportunities that are around me, but first I need to identify and define my goals, as well as determine those that matter most in my life. Suddenly, I begin to notice how much more I 'see' when I am interested in something, and the shutters of my mind open widely for information that is relevant to my interests, my ambition, my dreams. How many opportunities have I missed because I was blind to these opportunities around me? What difference would it make to the quality of my life if I were to become more financially aware, more physically aware, and more sensitively aware of the importance of my relationships?

Believe. To find and act on opportunities, I must believe in myself. I must believe that I have the ability to bring changes into my life. And too, independent of any religion, I'd prefer to seek in earnest the guidance of the Higher Power I believe in.

Opportunities are all around. It seldom knocks twice. It's best to act on it, when it comes.