walking – The Chicago Files

It’s Friday, and it’s also the 13th; put them together and what have you got? A rather feared Friday the 13th! A number of years ago I used to be extremely superstitious regarding Friday the 13th. And then something quite nice happened: I decided to turn it around and declare it, “Friday the 13th Fantastic Day”.

Oh, this might sound trite, but for those of us who grew up with many superstitions sprinkled into our believe systems, the occasion to somehow ‘reverse’ the consequences of salt spilling, black cat path crossing, and walking under a ladder woes was a welcomed idea indeed.

“Coincidentially” (*biggest grin*) I began to notice very good luck on Friday the 13th. Was it my imagination? Was it my newly found confidence in standing up to superstition? I BELIEVE it was my thoughts becoming my reality. And so, now I focus on great stuff coming my way (not just on Friday the 13th, but everyday); lo and behold, it works!

Back to the fear factor of Friday the 13th. I thought I’d provide you with a list of 13 ways to have a good day today! In no particular order (although I must say I rather like Number 13!):

Sing a song you love out loud, even a few lines; remember back to the time you first heard it and how it makes you feel each time you hear it now;
Type, “Do a Barrel Roll” into Google and watch what happens;
Click on this link for two minutes and fifty-nine seconds of genuine grinning: Link: Happy, Didga Style!
Make a list (even a mental one) of things you are grateful for, however small you think they are;
Pay someone a compliment today, whether it be a person you know, your local barista, or someone you meet along the way today (“What a cute puppy!” not only makes the doggie parent happy, but it will make you smile, I guarantee it);
Do something slightly out of your normal routine today, even if it is walking an extra block;
Focus on what is in front of you and consciously make an effort to see it from a different perspective (I once stood on the sofa just to see what the room looked like from a different vantage point);
Complete a task today that could be given the procrastination award for your ability to pretend it doesn’t exist (I have several awards of mine own for this one! *LOL*);
Give yourself permission to say, “yes” to an indulgent treat (even if it is a small piece of birthday cake; hey, where did that come from???);
Renew your library card, go to the library, or even look up photos online of amazing libraries and feel the endless possibilities for knowledge only clicks away;
Help someone with a simple gesture, such as holding the door open for them and making eye contact with a smile for good measure;
If you happen to be in a long line at a store, try feeling calm instead of impatient; timing is everything, and unless your hair is on fire, a few extra minutes of patience will be greatly appreciated by the store clerk (which will, in turn make them feel better too); and
Take a break from the ordinary today; you’ll see it is quite extraordinary after all!