blessmyendeavors

This time of year is a flurry of activity. Shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping gifts, parties, visiting relatives … so much going on. But let’s step back from all that; let’s look at adding a new item to your holiday preparations; …. let’s get ready for the new year.
My great-grandmother used to say that whatever your condition is on New Year’s day is how you will spend your year. Now, I know many of us spend it exhausted; grateful the last celebration is over, and maybe already worrying what it’s cost us.

My plan is already unfolding; I spend this month and December cleaning my house from top to bottom; working to get my bills caught up; stashing money in a savings account, and some for our pockets, ( never mind the amount, a 20 dollar bill will do ); and , my biggest stumbling block…laundry caught up, folded, and put away..! Don’t laugh; I’m sure you have stumbling blocks, too !
My point is, on New Year’s Day, I start my year with a clean house, money saved and money in my pocket, hopefully with bills caught up, and my chores done. That is how I want my entire year to go. Is this just working on the power of positive thinking? Probably so, but it’s not a bad plan.

We have two other New Year traditions here as well, and I’ll describe them to you now.

Right before midnight, we sit down and recall happy occasions that fill us up with happiness and warmth; the happiest moment you can recall; maybe the one thing that makes you want to jump up and dance just from sheer joy, or hug someone close…. whatever your moment is, savor it… and write a check for whatever you honestly feel you could REALISTICALLY earn in the coming year. Make the check out to The Lady Bountiful, and in the memo write ” bless all my endeavors “. Then, fold the check up and hide it deep in your wallet. We have never failed to earn three times the amount of that check in the new year.

Ok, next tradition. During your holiday shopping sprees gather a few things, or craft them, or take parts as souvenirs from parties. Here’s the list…: a cinnamon broom, a small bouquet of flowers ( dried or artificial ), a good luck charm of your choice, a bundle of Indian corn, or sheaf of wheat from a local store, a small bag of coins ( I use pennies and nickels ), and bind it all to the broom with bright ribbons and glue, if needed. Once it’s arranged to your liking and all pieces are secure on the broom, hang it on your front door. The idea is this..: grain, so you never go hungry; coins, so you never go broke; flowers and ribbons for beauty in your life; the charm to bring you luck; all bound to a sweet-smelling broom that sweeps misfortune from your door.
And be sure it’s only on the front door, so bad luck can run out the back one !

Again, all this is the power of positive thinking, and doesn’t it feel good to feel so ready to face the coming year prepared for whatever it holds?