Hello everyone and welcome
to the Path of
Positivity Challenge Blog! It is the first Monday
of the first month of a brand new year and it is time for our newest
challenge to begin! We hope that you
and your families continue to stay healthy and safe out there. We also
hope that you had a lovely holiday season filled with family, friendship
and blessings galore.
We are about to embark on a year of brand new twists but first, a few basic details. Since we are not
your typical challenge blog, it is important for you to
understand how things work in order to be sure you are eligible to win
any of the prizes offered. If
you are new to this unique challenge, you can find out the impetus
behind why I started it under the 'Introductions' tab and you can find out all the details you need to know in order to participate, in the 'Challenge Details'
tab (both tabs located at the top of the blog). For your convenience, a
summary of the most important rules can also be found in the right
sidebar under the heading 'General Rules'.
Right now, it is time to get down to the business of what we plan for 2026. Here is what you need to know...
Challenge #137
Anything Goes POSITIVE with the Opt. Twist of
Crafting by the Numbers—
First Time: Create a NEW Project
As
we step into a brand-new year of creativity, we’re also celebrating a
meaningful milestone here at The Path of Positivity—we are officially
entering our 13th year!
The number 13 has long carried a reputation for being “unlucky,” especially in Western cultures. This bad reputation stems from a combination of historical, religious, mythological, and superstitious origins. For ex., the ancient Romans were of the believe that the number 13 was a bad omen, predicting ill-fortune and death. In Norse mythology, Loki crashed a party in Valhalla. He was the uninvited 13th guest disrupting the balance of the 12 gods already in attendance. His arrival caused chaos and tragedy. This was the reason why the ancient Vikings hated the number 13. In Christianity, Judas was the 13th person to arrive at the Last Supper and he later betrayed Jesus. There are also the ancient Pythagoreans who believed that the number 12 was considered a number of completeness and perfection (we'll touch more on this in December). For those that believed in the wholeness of the number 12, 13 was seen as exceeding its perfection, transcending completeness, and as such it was viewed as troublesome, erratic, or unlucky. Finally, there is a viewpoint that the ancient Mayans were of the belief that the 13th 'baktun'--a period of time commensurate to approximately 400 years--would spell the end of the world. Their teachings foretold that the world would cease to exist on Dec. 21, 2012. Thankfully, this prophecy didn't come to fruition. Though this is just one analysis. There are others who believe that this particular interpretation of the prophecy was incorrect and that the end of the Mayan calendar simply marked the end to a long cycle. In an interesting twist (and ironically since it wasn't planned), I am writing this paragraph on Dec. 21, 2025—exactly 13 years from the date of this prediction! How is that for numerical synchronicity!
The number 13 has long carried a reputation for being “unlucky,” especially in Western cultures. This bad reputation stems from a combination of historical, religious, mythological, and superstitious origins. For ex., the ancient Romans were of the believe that the number 13 was a bad omen, predicting ill-fortune and death. In Norse mythology, Loki crashed a party in Valhalla. He was the uninvited 13th guest disrupting the balance of the 12 gods already in attendance. His arrival caused chaos and tragedy. This was the reason why the ancient Vikings hated the number 13. In Christianity, Judas was the 13th person to arrive at the Last Supper and he later betrayed Jesus. There are also the ancient Pythagoreans who believed that the number 12 was considered a number of completeness and perfection (we'll touch more on this in December). For those that believed in the wholeness of the number 12, 13 was seen as exceeding its perfection, transcending completeness, and as such it was viewed as troublesome, erratic, or unlucky. Finally, there is a viewpoint that the ancient Mayans were of the belief that the 13th 'baktun'--a period of time commensurate to approximately 400 years--would spell the end of the world. Their teachings foretold that the world would cease to exist on Dec. 21, 2012. Thankfully, this prophecy didn't come to fruition. Though this is just one analysis. There are others who believe that this particular interpretation of the prophecy was incorrect and that the end of the Mayan calendar simply marked the end to a long cycle. In an interesting twist (and ironically since it wasn't planned), I am writing this paragraph on Dec. 21, 2025—exactly 13 years from the date of this prediction! How is that for numerical synchronicity!
There
is also significant dissonance surrounding the combination of the
number thirteen and Fridays. Biblical stories have contributed to the
belief that Fridays are associated with bad luck: it is said that Adam
and Eve ate from the forbidden tree on a Friday, that Cain killed his
brother Abel on a Friday, that the Temple of Solomon was destroyed on a
Friday, that the Great Flood began on a Friday, and—most notably—that
Jesus was executed on a Friday. So, for those who already believe that
13 is unlucky due to its association with Judas, when paired with Jesus'
execution on a Friday, it becomes an ominous date for many
Christians. Additionally, on Friday, October 13th, 1307, the majority of
the Knights
Templar were arrested. The mass arrests, torture, and execution of
these dynamic figures marked a startling fall and betrayal, intertwining
the day and number with misfortune in popular lore. While
the events of 1307 happened centuries earlier, Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, further cemented this association in the public mind in the early 2000s.
Apart from religious interpretations, there are some cultural references to how Friday the 13th became unlucky as well. It was actually in the early part of the 20th century that
the specific fear related to "Friday the 13th" became a widespread
superstition in the States. It became popular as the result of the 1907 novel by Thomas W. Lawson entitled, Friday, the Thirteenth. Lawson wrote
a financial thriller about ambition, greed, and revenge on Wall Street,
famously detailing a stock market panic on that specific date. The book
became widely popular selling over 60,000 copies in its first month. In
fact, apparently after the novel's success, many stock brokers refused
to trade on Friday the 13th. This book then went on to influence the
spate of Movies in the 80s, also entitled Friday the 13th. There are many more examples as to how the number 13 became associated with bad luck but these are some of the biggest.
These
associations prevail even today. In architecture, many buildings don't
have a '13th' floor. In terms of design, there are some airlines that
don't have a 13th row of seating. The number 13 is sometimes also
excluded from seating arrangements in places like theatres, stadiums, or
other types of event venues. A great number of hotels, hospitals and
airports avoid using the number for rooms and gates as well. Several
eminent streets in London, England, lack a number 13 along the
route. Some people avoid holding important meetings, signing contracts,
or
getting married on the 13th of a month, especially if it's a
Friday. Certain companies may avoid labelling their products, models, or
versions with the number 13 to prevent unfavourable consumer
reactions.
Rather
than shying away from the number 13, we’re choosing to embrace it as a
symbol of growth, perseverance, and creative courage. After all, 13
years of inspiration, kindness, and community feels pretty lucky to us.
Since this year marks an important number for us, we've decided that NUMBERS should be the overall focus of our theme for 2026 (and look, divide 26 in half and we get 13)!
Numbers are a universal language—they transcend cultures, borders, and beliefs. We rely on them every day, often without thinking about their importance: we use numbers to tell time, to measure out ingredients, to track milestones, and to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. We even use numbers to express emotions (for ex., "a million thanks", "on cloud nine", "at sixes & sevens", etc.), and in everyday phrases (for ex., "behind the eight ball", "3 square meals a day", "it takes two to tango"). Numbers shape our world in both practical and symbolic ways, and they offer endless opportunities for creative interpretation.
Throughout the year, our monthly card challenges will be inspired by specific numbers. Sometimes we’ll explore their everyday meanings, and other times we might delve into their symbolic or spiritual associations. You might see references to balance, unity, or celebration, and biblical or historical symbolism as well. Whichever approach we lead with, it will always be with the goal of inspiring fun and creativity.
Whether numbers speak to you mathematically, symbolically, spiritually, or simply as a design prompt, we hope this theme invites you to think a little differently, stretch your imagination, and—most of all—have fun. Let’s make this a year where numbers truly count.
It is a new year, and thus, time for a fresh start. Since it is our first challenge of the year and we are starting during the first month of the year, it is only fitting that our twist this month is the NUMBER ONE. Across cultures and traditions, the number one represents beginnings, unity, and the source from which all things start. This makes it the perfect number to kick off our creative year. From a cultural perspective, it is often tied to leadership and independence. Symbolically, the number one conveys distinctiveness, initiative, and standing alone. Many faith traditions view the number one as a reminder of oneness. In the monotheistic religions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, the belief is in one God who is the source of all things. The position that all of life is interconnected also appears across science, philosophy, and many cultural traditions. When analyzed conscientiously, it is abundantly clear that nothing can exist in isolation—everything in this world both affects and is affected by something else. One may be a single number but oneness is so very much more!
The first step in our creative journey of crafting by the numbers is to challenge you to create a NEW project--one that you have never made before.
It is time to step outside your comfort zone, explore a new technique
or project, and embrace the excitement that comes with starting at one. If
you tend to only make cards, how about putting together a mixed media
canvas. If digital is normally your thing, complete something totally
handmade. Never made an ATC card before? Well, now is the perfect time
to try it. Whatever project you decide on, new beginnings start here! Be
sure to make it one to remember!!!
Keep in mind though that the twist is completely optional and you don't need to follow it in
order to win. However, in order to be considered eligible for this
month's goodies, remember that general types of projects/posts will not
qualify for the honours and prize UNLESS they are also positive, inspirational,
motivational or encouraging in some nature. Additionally, even if a project may qualify as positive, if your post
promotes negativity, hatred or anything of an abhorrent nature, your
project will be disqualified. Honours and Prize include:
- $6 worth of images from Scribbles Designs, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all qualifying entrants.
- A badge for the following honours: Top Pick, Most Inspirational, Random Winner, DT Delight
References:
Akst, Daniel. (2021). When fiction tries to change the facts on the ground.
[Online]. Strategy+Business. Last Updated: 20 January 2021. Available
at:
https://www.strategy-business.com/blog/When-fiction-tries-to-change-the-facts-on-the-ground
[Accessed 19 December 2025].
Britannica Editors. (Unknown). Why Is 13 Unlucky?. [Online]. Encyclopedia Britannica. Last Updated: 8 Aug. 2025. Available at:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-13-Unlucky [Accessed 19 December
2025].
Antipov, Evgeny A.; Pokryshevskaya, Elena B. (2023). Impact of superstitious beliefs on the timing of marriage and childbirth: Evidence from Denmark.
[Online]. Cambridge University Press. Last Updated: 01 January 2023.
Available at:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/judgment-and-decision-making/article/impact-of-superstitious
[Accessed 20 December 2025].
Conrad, Carl W.; Ackerberg-Hastings, Amy. (2022). Pythagorean Brotherhood.
[Online]. EBSCO Research. Available at:
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/pythagorean-brotherhood
[Accessed 20 December 2025].
IPBES. (2019). Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.
[Online]. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Bonn, Germany. Available at:
https://files.ipbes.net/ipbes-web-prod-public-files/2020-02/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers_en.pdf [Accessed: 30 December 2025].
Maranzani, Barbara. (2013). What’s So Unlucky About the Number 13?.
[Online]. History. Last Updated: 28 May 2025. Available at:
https://www.history.com/articles/whats-so-unlucky-about-the-number-13
[Accessed 19 December 2025].
Markovsky, Barry. (2023). Why is 13 considered unlucky?.
[Online]. University of South Carolina. Last Updated: 9 January 2023.
Available at:
https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2022/10/conversation_thirteen.php [Accessed
20 December 2025].
Content adapted from material provided by Dr. Bryan Mendez. (Unknown). The Meaning of 2012.
[Online]. Living Maya Time-Smithsonian Institute. Available at:
https://maya.nmai.si.edu/2012-resetting-count/meaning-of-2012 [Accessed
20 December 2025].
Nowers, Kendall. (2017). Superstitions to Consider in Your International Marketing.
[Online]. Nexus Direct. Last Updated: 13 September 2017. Available at:
https://nexusdirect.com/ideas-blog/superstitions-to-consider-in-your-international-marketing?utm_sou
[Accessed 20 December 2025].
Sharma, Kirti. (2024). Friday the 13th: History, Myths, and Superstitions Behind the Unlucky Day.
[Online]. Jagran Josh. Last Updated: 13 September 2024. Available at:
https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/friday-the-13th-history-myths-and-superstitions-behind-
[Accessed 20 December 2025].
Thesleff, Holger. (2015). Pythagoreanism.
[Online]. Encyclopedia Britannica. Last Updated: 15 Jun.
2025. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/Pythagoreanism.
[Accessed 20 December 2025].
Timpson, Trevor. (2015). Friday 13th: The accidental superstition?.
[Online]. BBC News. Last Updated: 13 February 2015. Available at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-30912415 [Accessed 20 December 2025].
Unknown. (Unknown). About The Number 1. [Online]. Numeraly.
Available at:
https://numeraly.com/about-the-number-1/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[Accessed 30 December 2025].
Unknown. (2005). Friday, the Thirteenth: A Novel by Thomas William Lawson.
[Online]. Project Gutenberg. Last Updated: 28 October 2024. Available
at: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12345 [Accessed 19 December 2025].
Unknown. (2018). Friday, the Thirteenth: The Original Novel of Bad Luck on Wall Street, With a Revised Introduction & Annotations.
[Online]. Amazon. Available at:
https://www.amazon.ca/Friday-Thirteenth-Original-Introduction-Annotations-ebook/dp/B07C28QW9G
[Accessed 19 December 2025].
Unknown. (Unknown). NumbersWiki. [Online]. 1. Available at: https://numbers.fandom.com/wiki/1?utm_source=chatgpt.com Accessed: 30 December 2025].
Unknown. (Unknown). Why is Friday 13th unlucky?. [Online].
History Extra. Available at:
https://www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/why-friday-13th-unlucky-superstition-history-jesus/
[Accessed 20 December 2025].
Voice of America. 19 December 2012. Archeologist Says Mayans Did Not Predict Apocalypse [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t0wwbQoxAE.
Wikipedia Editors. (Unknown). 2012 phenomenon. [Online]. Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_phenomenon [Accessed 20 December 2025].
Wikipedia Editors. (Unknown). Friday the 13th. [Online]. Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th [Accessed 20 December 2025].
Wikipedia Editors. (Unknown). Software versioning. [Online].
Wikipedia. Last Updated: September 2025. Available at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_versioning [Accessed 20 December
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Wikipedia Editors. (Unknown). Triskaidekaphobia. [Online]. Wikipedia. Last
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2025].
Please note that I used ChatGPT to polish up a few specific sentences throughout the explanation above.
My
incredible design team never fails to impress me. Each member brings a
distinct perspective and a keen understanding of the theme. Even now, I
am continually amazed by the depth of talent reflected in their
creations. Each of these imaginative pieces has beautifully embodied the
idea of Crafting by Numbers—First Time: Create a NEW Project, and I hope they have encouraged you to begin your own creative journey.
So what are you waiting for? Create a project and/or post that is positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature and join our link up. How about stretching yourself by also opting to follow the twist?! While it isn't mandatory, we'd also love to find out how this month's twist affects your own life. How are you influenced by numbers? Do you rely on any spiritual or cultural interpretations to help you process the various ways that number influence your life? As it is the first month of the year, we are starting our Crafting by Numbers journey with the number ONE. As such, this month it is time to create a NEW project—one that you have never made before. Be sure to check above for some specific ideas if you aren't sure how to get started. If you want to share your process on how you decided your project, you can write a sentence or two in the body of your post, write a sentence at the bottom of your post next to the link up for this challenge, or simply leave a comment on this post if you'd like. Finally, remember that we're trying to create a Path of Positivity so if you have some time, please visit other people participating throughout the month.
Please join us again next week when we will [hopefully] post the Top Picks for Challenge #136. Then, be sure to join us again on January 19th when we'll be back with our midway featuring more great projects.
If you ever have any questions be sure to send an email to decossesdynamitedoodles {at} yahoo {dot} ca (don't forget to replace {at} and {dot} with the appropriate symbols), or just leave me a comment.
We look forward to seeing you participate!
Link Up Below:
If you have any problems linking up, please be sure to let me know by leaving a comment on this post.
Ch. #137--Anything Goes POSITIVE with the Opt. Twist of Crafting by the Numbers—First Time: Create a NEW Project
This is the place to link up something that you have created during the month that you consider positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. Entries for this challenge will be accepted from January 5th until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on February 1st, 2026.
SEVEN entries MAX. Please click on the 'Challenge Details' tab located at the top of the blog to see all the rules. A summary of the most important rules can also be found in the right sidebar under the heading 'General Rules'. If you would like to be a Guest Designer in a future challenge, please add the letters GDT after your name.
