It is said the fear of Friday the 13th [Paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia] affects approximately 20 million people in America. Many consider Friday to be the most unlucky day of the week and 13 has been deemed a very unlucky number for centuries. Together they form a frightening combination for many. If you’ve ever lived in any big city, you’ll notice that quite often there are no 13th floors in high rises, no gate 13 at the airport, and no room 13 at hotels. One research institute estimates that over ‘$800 million in revenue is lost on Friday the 13th because of canceled appointments and absenteeism’.
The story behind this day varies depending on the source. What seem to be obvious is that many people buy into this and swear by their belief. My mother’s generation was steeped into a lot of superstitions. As children we heard it all. Somewhere between high school and college I totally dismissed them all. I’m still waiting to get that windfall when my right hand itches. I’d like to think that this day is a gift given to me to embrace as I see fit.
I rise with the expectation that I will have a good day ; choosing to believe that I am equipped to handle what life may throw at me today. I truly empathize with those who may live a ‘less than’ day because of fear and anxiety hinged on myths that often swirl around our heads. What is more concerning for me is losing 24 hours to irrational fears. That is 24 hours , an entire day subtracted from the number of my days. A day I cannot get back.
So today I choose life. If and when the dark days come, I’ll push through. I’ve had a few of those – they don’t last forever. For those dealing with this phobia, here’s some good news – there’s only two in 2023. The next one is in October! 😂😂 Remember, tomorrow is Saturday. This too shall pass.
A friend of mine sent me that awesome picture taken in my island nation. It reminds me that with all that we are faced with everyday, it’s still a beautiful world. Until I take my last breathe, I desire to be present each day. FEAR has been referred to as False Evidence Appearing Real. Many of us can testify that most of the things we feared never happened. Join me today in taking back this day. Decide not to lose it to fear.
This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Restored Hearts 
I have a few superstitions of sorts. Such as seeing an eagle means good fortune, or something good will come or you are protected from something bad. The Native American in me. But Friday the 13th has always been a blessed and happy day for me. The reason, my second child was born on Friday 13th, and a child is a blessing. I did not know some consider Friday to be bad. Thank you for sharing the poem is awesome.
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Yep! Good things happen on Friday the 13th too…😘
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It seems every other week there is a Friday 13th, c’mon people get over it already. I guess some people take their superstitions seriously 🤣🤣. There was a high rise building in Long Island with the address 666. I was surprised the other day to see they changed the address.
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I would change the address too if I owned that building.😁😁
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Of course, a little superstition is no match for the antichrist :-). I’ll tell you, seeing that looming building with the 666 on it was a creepy eye catcher.
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