Double Your Chances for a Prosperous New Year
Each year there are two chances to celebrate the beginning of the New Year and to set goals, aspirations and resolutions that will help insure your prosperity. The first is the traditional New Year on January 1st, and the second is the Chinese New Year of which the exact date varies from year to year. In 2010, the Chinese New Year is on February 14th, and it’s the year of the Tiger representing courage.
The traditional New Year dates back to the early Babylonians where the most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment. Over time the tradition became one of celebration by ringing in the New Year with parties that include good food and sparkling champagne. Typical resolutions include the desire to lose weight or quick smoking.
It was bandleader Guy Lombardo that popularized the song Auld Lang Syne and turned it into a New Year's tradition. Lombardo first heard the song in his hometown of London, Ontario, where it was a classic tune sung by Scottish immigrants. When he formed his famous dance band, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, the song became one of their standards. In 1929, Lombardo played the song at midnight at a New Year's Eve party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, and a tradition was born. Life magazine wrote that the song had became such a New Year's tradition if Lombardo failed to play Auld Lang Syne, the American public wouldn’t believe that the New Year had actually arrived.
The Chinese New Year is a second opportunity to celebrate life and set intentions for the coming year. The typical traditions include a thorough cleaning of every room in the house, and a dinner party with family and friends. The Tiger represents 2010 and is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac that consists of 12 animal signs. This fearless and fiery fighter is revered by the ancient Chinese as the sign that wards off the three main disasters of a household: fire, thieves and ghosts. Red envelopes are commonly given out during the Chinese New Year and are considered to be very auspicious gifts. Red symbolizes fire and it is thought to ward off bad luck. The envelopes themselves often figure various Chinese characters for long life, prosperity, and good health.
A fresh new calendar is a great time to purge bad habits and envision a better life for you. Identifying easy and achievable objectives that include anything from a financial make over to simply having more fun in the New Year is a great start. Becoming more aware of what is critical to your happiness and well-being is a resolution without even writing it down. Instead of planning to be perfect, create a few goals that are balanced between work and play and are within reach by the end of the year.
For example, if your financial future is causing daily stress, create a budget and aggressively pay down your debts. Start with the debt with highest interest and apply all the extra money you can spare until it is completely paid off. Stop using shopping as therapy and find another activity to boost your mood. You can cut spending by 10 per cent just by weeding out extra expenses such as unlimited texting, premium television channels, or eating out at restaurants. Join the “Five Dollar Bill Savings” program. At the end of the day, take out all five-dollar bills out of your wallet and put them in a savings envelope for unforeseen emergencies or to plan a special day.
Make it a point to have more fun throughout the year. The library is a great resource for planning your favorite dream vacation, reading novels or renting books on tape for your next car trip. Explore downtown at a different time than you normally would, such as when shops are just opening and relax with your favoritie cup of coffee. Organize a tournament of board games for family and friends. Research has shown the laughter and creativity fosters good health by boosting the immune system and relieving stress. Laugh more in the New Year!
Cheryl Grace is a professional Feng Shui expert, nationally certified interior refiner, and winner of the 2008-09 Natural Choice Award for Favorite Feng Shui Practitioner. For a consultation for your home or business or to contact Cheryl, e-mail ggRedecorating@yahoo.com or call 941-400-3816. Visit www.ggRedecorating.com to shop for contemporary Feng Shui decor and enhancements, or to find a list of Feng Shui seminars taught by Cheryl. For daily Feng Shui tips, follow Cheryl on Twitter and her Blog at www.Twitter.com/FengShuiSimply ; www.Twitter.com/FengShuiGreen; www.FengShuiSimply.blogspot.com
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