Hello Lovelies!
Welcome to a new Lunar New Year! Many refer to this as the Chinese New Year. Did you ever go to a Chinese restaurant and try to figure out your zodiac sign? As a little girl, I was always fascinated by the zodiac calendar that they had printed on their place mats. For years I thought I was born in a Sheep year. As I grew older, still fascinated, I researched a bit further and came to find out that because my birthday is in January – prior to the lunar New Year that typically falls in February – I wasn’t really a sheep – but a horse instead.
This Lunar Year brings in the Year of the Red Fire Monkey. I’m no expert, but from what I know -each year is represented by one of the 12 animals in their zodiac and an element (fire, earth, air, metal, wood). When reading about this new lunar year, I noted that the Monkey sign can be intelligent, impulsive, naughty, and yet wily. Sounds like a monkey, doesn’t it? The year usually takes on the characteristics of the animal. So brace yourselves…it could be an unpredictable year.
How can you prepare?
The more organized you are the better because there will be enough wacky surrounding you. Laughter will be a positive force to help you manage the year and it time to try something you have always wanted to do. Some quick tips follow.
EAT
Organize and plan your weekly meals in advance. Even taking 30 minutes to do some prep will help you ease into your week. Wash and chop your vegetables like carrots, onions, celery and store them so they are ready to go for dinner. Cut up some fruit for breakfast the night before. Being even slightly more organized in your kitchen will keep you from being tempted by fast food meals, candy, snacks and “I’ll just eat this can of cheese for dinner” scenarios.
LEARN
You will probably need a good sense of humor this year. Laughter is a great way to keep reality in check. When we don’t take things too seriously, we don’t fill ourselves up with more negative emotions. Laughter reduces the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. As you laugh, the brain releases those feel good endorphins. These endorphins have been shown to relieve some physical pains in the body. Also, when you laugh you boost the number of antibody-producing cells which in turn leads to your immune system getting a boost. Learn how to laugh this year. Crazy things will happen…how will you react to them?
THRIVE
This might be the year to try something you might have previously thought was “off the wall”. Try something new! Why not? Bring out your inner red fire monkey and explore the opportunities this year. Tango lessons? Mastering a handstand? Maybe acrobatics-and learn to swing like a monkey! Bonus points if your “something new” involves lots of laughter.
Those are a few of my ideas to keep the unpredictable year in check. I would enjoy hearing your ideas.
I love sharing information with you that can help you lead a Thriving life. You can find me at www.facebook.com/eatlearnthrive. Make sure you “like” my page so you never miss any of the fun stuff!
Stay tuned for some really exciting news…can’t say much yet – but trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
To your thriving life, health and happiness!
Blair
P.S. Apparently, those born in a horse year are extremely animated, have a deft sense of humor, and are typically active and energetic. However, we can be a bit stubborn too. Yeah, that kinda explains a few things, now that I look at it again.