Recipe for a Prosperous, Peaceful Year

Take twelve, fine, full-grown months; see that these are free from all old memories of bitterness, rancor, hate and jealousy. Cleanse them completely from every bit of clinging spite, pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed as much as possible from the past.

Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. This batch will keep for just one year. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot in this way), but prepare one day at a time, as follows:

Into each day put...

Twelve parts of faith,
Eleven of patience,
Ten of courage,
Nine of work,
Eight of hope,
Seven of fidelity,
Six of liberality,
Five of kindness,
Four of rest,
Three of prayer,
Two of meditation,
and one well selected resolution.

Put in about a teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

Pour into the whole love ad libitum and mix with vim. Cook thoroughly in a fervent heat; garnish with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness, and a Happy New Year is certain.

(Author unknown; seen on several Christian and inspirational sites and mailing lists)

May your year contain all of these and many, many blessings.