Nothing to do With Luck: Ask Noah

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Q: Hi, Noah. There have been times in my life that I've had a lot of luck, so I don't like to complain.

However, lately I've been greeted with a slew of bad luck in love, work, finances, etc. I'm feeling depressed and anxious as I find myself searching for everything, and nothing seems to be going my way! Please suggest some charted path or guidance so I might find happiness. Thanks.

A: I'm truly sorry you're going through such a rough patch. Everyone goes through phases in life where they feel they cannot catch a break.

It might be a helpful tool to think of your happiness, or lack thereof, as not predicated on "luck." Putting stock in an otherworldly force, which randomly brings fortune or adversity, is not exactly empowering. There is little the "self" can control when fate is put in the hands of chance.

Chance definitely plays a significant role in our successes; unexpected circumstances can rock anyone's boat. However, with a good sense of self, "luck" can turnaround. In order to gain this sense of self or unconditional self-acceptance it's essential to heed the context of our own thoughts, feelings and behaviors.This method can be more powerful than searching for happiness.

When we are able to literally edit the way we perceive events by not attaching unnecessary negative meanings or significance to these events, something remarkable often happens -- our fortunes seem to change for the better overnight.

You may not get everything you want immediately, but you'll begin to take notice of the arrival of things you need. More important, you will really appreciate them. Perhaps it's time for you to smell the proverbial roses.

You speak in negative extremes: "I find myself searching for everything and nothing goes my way..."

In and of itself, this is an open invitation for a very unpleasant self-fulfilling prophecy!

An integral component of a change in context is your attitude, and the framework with which you approach your life.

If you hold the idea that nothing in your life is working out, you're broadcasting a very clear message. In my experience, people who are truly "happy" expect to be so!

When you actively place so much pressure on yourself to meet with great luck or happiness, how can you recognize the simple joys of life?

You may not have the perfect job or the perfect love, yet you have tools. See the tips below.