Late December 2025 - Santa Ynez Valley, CA
What is luck? Roman philosopher Seneca gave us a possible answer: "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
I’ve been thinking about luck—specifically as it relates to attracting real estate clients. Is it the connection at an open house? A referral? This newsletter 🙂? An ad in the local paper? Or is it simply “luck”?
It’s a version of a question that kept me fascinated during my years in marketing: what makes someone buy something? Even with all the tracking technology available today, marketers still can’t consistently pinpoint the exact “why” behind a purchase.
These days, I’ve transferred that same curiosity to real estate... wondering why a client chooses to work with one particular agent. Yes, I’ll shall continue to ponder…
Why the horseshoe? It’s a classic symbol of luck. I came across this photo while scrolling through my "Photos" (and trying to free up storage space!). I remember thinking it looked cool—but also reminding myself to look up whether a horseshoe is supposed to hang up or down. Here is what Google gave me:
Hanging it "Up"
Hanging a horseshoe in a "U" shape is the most common practice.
The Goal: To collect and store luck.
The Belief: The horseshoe acts like a cup or bowl, catching any good fortune that floats by and preventing it from "running out".
Context: This is often the preferred way for home interiors to ensure the household retains its good vibes.
Hanging it "Down"
Hanging a horseshoe in an "n" shape is a choice often made for specific protective reasons.
The Goal: To shower luck or provide protection.
The Belief: It allows good fortune to "spill out" and pour directly onto everyone who passes underneath it.
Protection: In some traditions, this orientation is believed to prevent evil spirits or "the devil" from entering, as there is no "seat" for them to rest on.
Context: You will often see this on the outside of entryways or above barn doors.
What I love about the positioning of this horseshoe? It was placed along the entry path to a home. As you walked in, the house was protected; as you walked out, maybe you carried a little of that collected luck with you.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, want to bring a bit of luck or protection to the one you have, are starting a business, or growing a business, which way will you hang your horseshoe?
- Lisa
On The Move is a curated mix of what’s inspiring me lately, what’s shifting in the market, and what might just shift your perspective or inspire you too.
