I don’t think of myself as superstitious.  Except, that I pause a moment any time I see a black cat, in hopes that it  won’t cross my path.  I do hold my breath when we go past a cemetery…because once upon a time, I decided it was rude NOT to.  I don’t bet on my favorite sports teams, because I believethat it would make them lose.  (not even a can of soda, I can’t take the guilt if they DO lose…) If I get uber decked out in my fan gear early in the season, and my team loses a game they shouldn’t…I will NOT wear their colors on game day for the rest of the season.  I will have a teeny moment of panic if I see someone (especially my children) even threaten to open an umbrella in the house.  I believe in the core of my being that a watched pot will boil slower than if I walk away…and then pray I don’t get distracted and come back to a pot of water that’s boiled away to nothing. 

But there are “traditions” I follow that do not have a basis in fear, guilt or general insanity.  I will sit under the night sky and watch for falling stars, just to make the wish.  I love to look in the early night sky and try to see only one star, again to make the wish.  I also will try with all my might to blow out all my candles on the birthday cake.  I love making wishes.  I love to take the time to envision in my head something that I really want.  I don’t wish for extra money, or power or THINGS. 

I wish for joy for my family. 

I wish for accomplishments for my children. 

I wish for simpler, easier futures for friends or family who might need some relief.

I wish for happiness for those whom I am closest to.

I wish for peace.

When I look at the difference between what I consider superstitions and traditions in my world, the difference is in my emotions attached to these efforts.  Stevie said “when you believe in things you don’t understand, you suffer”.  But wishes…they bring me joy.