Lucky Number 13? – by Cara Potapshyn Meyers

I don’t know about you, but I am glad to say “goodbye” to 2012. Between predictions of the world coming to an end, surviving a natural disaster in my area, school shootings in Connecticut, as well as my endless personal complications, I’m ready for some change. Some people, however, are already referring to this New Year as “unlucky,” simply because of it’s number – thirteen.

I already started working with someone on inner peace, meditation and lifestyle guidance. I’ve made a little progress, but it is better than no progress at all. Having someone to be accountable to also helps with the process.

Back to this number thirteen though. How did it become so unlucky? According to Wikipedia.com, “Fear of the number 13 has a specifically recognized phobia, Triskaidekaphobia, a word which was coined in 1911. The superstitious sufferers of triskaidekaphobia try to avoid bad luck by keeping away from anything numbered or labelled thirteen. As a result, companies and manufacturers use another way of numbering or labeling to avoid the number, with hotels and tall buildings being conspicuous examples, such as a thirteenth floor. It’s also considered to be unlucky to have thirteen guests at a table. Friday the 13th has been considered the unluckiest day of the month.” It also states that 13 turns are needed to make a traditional Hangman’s Noose. Anything less would not snap a neck. Also of interest is that at the Last Supper there were thirteen people around the table, counting Jesus and the twelve apostles (I am curious if this is why it is unlucky to have thirteen guests at a table?). One last tidbit I found interesting was, “In ancient cultures, the number 13 represented femininity, because it corresponded to the number of lunar (menstrual) cycles in a year (13 x 28 = 364 days). The theory is that, as the solar calendar triumphed over the lunar, the number thirteen became anathema.” If I ever had regular periods, I’d be able to agree or refute. No matter whether rational or superstitious, it seems silly to consider a year to be unlucky simply because of it’s number orientation. I think we need to turn this number thing around.

I am certain that there are numerous people born on the thirteenth day of the month who seem to consider themselves pretty, “lucky.” If you add my son’s date of birth with mine, it adds up to thirteen. I feel tremendously “lucky” to have him. Jewish boys and girls become Bar/Bat Mitzvah when they turn thirteen. There is a lot to be said about the number thirteen being quite lucky.

This year I am going to forge ahead and try to become “lucky” in my personal self care. I have done for and given of myself to others for years and years. It is time I give back – to myself. Where should I begin? The body and mind. My body needs to be nourished through proper nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. I have witnessed my body literally “wither” due to chronic, ongoing stress. It desperately needs rejuvenation. I plan to work vigorously with that.

Hobbies and interests are my next category. I have taken up some interesting projects and learned new skills this past year. I would like to develop these skills further and resurrect hobbies that have fueled my soul, but have been left dormant for years. I used to get a thrill out of completing these hobbies and felt accomplished plus fulfilled. I want to obtain that feeling again. I also would like to learn new things and engage in new endeavors.

The final area where I would like to improve is socially. I want to go places with friends, do more with them, enjoy their company. I would like to take my son on more excursions, near and far. Meet new people, relish new experiences. I need to get out in the world more. I am a hermit by nature. And my “alone time” will be already be protected through both meditation and self care. But I am jealous when I hear of where others have gone, what they’ve done and what they’ve seen. I need more. Little by little I will come out of my “shell” and interact with the world around me. More fuel for my soul.

So there you have it. Call it what you will. New Years resolutions? Change? A fresh start? I’m going to call it “progressive lifestyle overhaul.” Every little accomplishment will count. And if I’m really “lucky,” 2013 won’t be so “unlucky” after all! It might actually produce a new and improved… me!

Tags: 2012, 2013, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, change, hobbies, lucky, New Year, number thirteen, socializing, superstitious, Triskaidekaphobia, unlucky, Wikipedia.com