“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
—Seneca
Every year, I love St. Patrick’s Day! This is a day when I really feel my Irish heritage. I honor the brave Irish immigrants who came to America to start a new life for themselves and their descendants. I am one of those descendants, and so to them, I say thank you!
St. Patrick’s Day has always been a feel-good day for me. When I was a child, this day had an almost magical quality about it. I believed in the “luck of the Irish,” and it often felt like something I could use! So, like many kids, I would search through the grass for that uniquely beautiful four-leaf clover. Surely, if I could find one, then all my wishes would come true!
Now, as an adult, this idea of wishing has taken the form of setting intentions for me. I go through my day open and receptive to what may come, but I have a clear knowing of what my life can be. Here are three steps you can use to set your intentions and make your “wish” a reality:
- Identify your deepest wish. Spend some time sitting in silence, thinking about a change you would really like to make happen for all the “right” reasons.
- Make a plan. What are some of the things you can do to make this change? What is the one step you can take right now to bring you closer to that goal?
- Take action. Look at your action plan, and choose one thing you can do right now and do it. Step by step is the only way forward.
Unlike a fairy-tale wish that comes true with the wave of wand—or the twinkle of a leprechaun’s eye—the most meaningful things we want in life need to be cultivated and grown through preparation and taking action.
My mother gave me my Irish roots, so I leave you with this beautiful Irish blessing in honor of her and this day:
May you live a long life
Full of gladness and health,
With a pocket full of gold
As the least of you wealth.
May the dreams you hold dearest,
Be those which come true,
The kindness you spread,
Keep returning to you.
Barb Schmidt is an international best-selling author, businesswoman, philanthropist, and spiritual teacher with over thirty years devoted to spiritual development and research. In 2001, Barb partnered with Florida Atlantic University’s Peace Studies Program to promote dialogue in the greater community on the topic of inner peace. Additionally, she taught a class on meditation and spiritual practices as part of the life-long learning program at Nova University for five years. For the past ten years, she has been offering workshops and classes on spiritual practices throughout the world. A sought-after speaker, Barb regularly lectures at schools and organizations to spread her message of living a meaningful, happy life. 
