Take 12 fine, full-grown months;  

see that these are thoroughly cleansed

from all old memories of

bitterness,

rancor, hate,

and jealousy.

Cut these months into 30 or 31

equal parts.

(This batch will keep for one year.)  

Do not attempt to make more

than one batch at a time-

many people spoil

the entire lot in this way.

Prepare one day at a time as follows:

Into each day, put

12 parts of faith,

11 of patience,

10 of courage,

9 of work

(some people omit this ingredient and spoil the flavor of the rest),

8 of hope,

7 of fidelity,

 6 of open-mindedness,

 5 of kindness,

4 of rest

(leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad-don't do it),

 3 of prayer,

 2 of meditation, and

One of well-selected

resolution.

If you have no conscientious scruples,

add 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 love liberally into the whole, 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 a certainty.

from

leaves of Gold