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Hope in this Lunar New Year

Do you feel the hope in this Lunar New Year of the Tiger. For you, how does that make you feel compared to the Ox in 2021 or the Rat in 2020? And why did I call it the Lunar New Year? Hasn’t it always been referred to as the Chinese New Year?

A Little Clarification

The Lunar New Year begins on the day of the first new moon. Although a calendar based on the cycle of the moon has been around for ages, we tend to associate it with China where it is celebrated big time. Whole extended families return home, celebrating together. In fact, we see dragon dances performed in large cities across the globe. And it isn’t a few days. Rather it goes on for over two weeks, culminating in the release of thousands of paper lanterns into the night sky on day fifteen, the night of the first full moon. Read more about this year’s celebration.

What is Your Lunar New Year Symbol?

As a child, I remember my family eating at a Chinese restaurant with paper placemats of the Chinese Zodiac. Each of us would find the year we were born and discover who we were. Well, not really. Still, I always noticed my father and I were both Snakes. Since we shared a curiosity and enjoyment of this creature, it seemed only natural. I’ve researched the elements a little more and found that I’m a Yin Water Snake. Dad was a Yin Earth Snake. Furthermore, all Snakes are Yin and all Tigers are Yan. Read more if you’re curious about the Chinese Zodiac animals.

It’s All About Hope

It’s easy to look at all manner of negativity in life. On the other hand, looking for positivity is just as easy. Last year we were stuck with the Ox and betrayed by the Rat in 2020. I’m counting on hope in this Lunar New Year of the Tiger to lift me to new heights of gratitude, connection, and strength in 2022. How about you?

A Return to the Tried and True

How often have you made a return to the tried and true? And why do we quit these habits in the first place?

Define Tried and True

That’s easy. We’ve done it before (Tried). Furthermore, we know it works (True).

So Why Do We Quit?

It’s really about creating habits versus the unrelenting search for something better.

If you like variety in life, like I do, it’s easy to chase after the new, shiny, 24 carat gold bangle when it drops right in front of you. There’s nothing wrong with that.  Yet, the shiny objects can live in peace next to the comfortable earrings we reach for almost everyday.

How Do We Restart?

  • Slow down.
  • Listen to your intuition.
  • Live in the moment.
  • Look for the joy.

First, we are all very different. Understanding yourself goes a long way toward being successful in your return to the tried and true. How do you start to understand your personality? One of my favorite ways is Clifton Strengths. This is not a free assessment, but well worth the price. If you are more into free, the TypeFinder Personality Test website also links to Enneagram Types.

A Real Life Example

Are you wondering why I have the photo of my bookcase? It’s how I managed to return to my tried and true method for self discovery, Morning Pages. If you look closely, you’ll see the original Artist’s Way book by Julia Cameron on the bottom shelf. Yet, that wasn’t how I started Morning Pages again. Rather, it was seeing the beautiful spine of the journal I pulled out of the many journals on the top row. Royal Botanic Garden SydneyThis journal is important to me. I bought it at the gift shop of the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, Australia after I completed my Shoden, Reiki Level One at the International House of Reiki in the Blue Mountains.

For something seemingly unrelated, I’ve been watching Rake, an Australian series on Acorn TV, set in Sydney. It brought back beautiful Sydney memories.

How Positivity Works

How positivity works is the theme today. Do you even believe that.. a little? I’m going to give you a real life example.

The Area of Health

This is a big one for me right now. Although I’ve needed knee replacement surgery for decades, I wasn’t ready until late last year. Here I am in a new state, didn’t know anyone before I moved here and I’m having major surgery.

Positivity Helps Make Difficult Decisions

When I made the discovery appointment with Dr. Benjamin Parker, I knew the time was now. Everyone from the intern to reception commented on my positive attitude.

Thirty one days later, my neighbor dropped me off at the ER entrance at 5:30 am. I’m positively giddy with excitement. I banter with everyone; the person doing the COVID checks, the admission lady, and the nurse in the surgery prep waiting room.

A Positive Attitude is Catching

Since I had my cell phone, I took a before picture of my legs in pre-op. Everyone is in a good mood. Why is that? Part of it is my good mood. Energy is like that. Good vibes spread out in ripples and anyone who is open to my energy gets a little boost.

I noticed the clock… 6:45 am just before the nurse anesthetist administers my anesthesia. Next thing I know, it’s 10:37 am. I’m in exactly the same location only now I have a new knee. And I am still in a marvelous dream state. The smile on my face is just as broad as it was at 6:45 am. The surgery went well, everyone’s happy.

Requests are Met With Joy

Soon I’m in my room, various medical personnel filtering in and out, asking if I need anything. Coffee… that would be nice. Poof! A warm cup of Joe with creamer is in my hand. Even lunch was tasty. Wouldn’t another cup of coffee be nice?

‘Could I have a cup of coffee?’

‘Here you go.’

After lunch Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy arrive.

‘How about a little walk?’

‘Sure!’

The plan is a quick education on using a walker. Then a short walk to the door of my room. In contrast, I’m ready for more.

‘How about we go to the hand sanitizer next to the room across the hall?’

The experience of walking on an new knee was other-worldly. It was like a big cloud sponge under my right foot.

I gently sit down in the chair next to my bed. It’s 2:22 pm.

‘How far do you think I walked?’

‘About 40 feet.’

I celebrate with a fist pump!

Obstacles Disappear

My doctor decided I should stay over in the hospital one night for observation because the only person at home is my 93-year-old mother.

There’s one more little reason… I need to learn how to navigate stairs.

The stairwell is right next to my room. Up with the good foot. Down with the surgery foot. It was a piece of cake. Of course, the PT and OT girls have this big belt around my chest for safety and I was so thankful I’ve been exercising with a trainer for over 3 years prior. My arm strength came in real handy.

Positivity is Easy to Maintain

Here it is almost 3 weeks since surgery and I’m just as excited with each new challenge. My range of motion exercises progressed quickly, achieving my 4-week goal at 2 weeks. Now I’ve graduated to strengthening exercises because I’ve passed the knee flexibility test.

Some Parting Wisdom

All this positivity didn’t come overnight. It helps that I’m naturally a positive person. Even so, I practice mindful meditation daily with Ten Percent Happier. Furthermore, I include a Loving Kindness meditation each night before sleep.

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