The Year of the Rabbit

Two Steps Forward, One Back The Nose Knows

The Year of the Rabbit

If you've felt like life has been tough for the past couple of years, you're about to get some relief. According to the Chinese calendar, today begins the New Year: The Year of the Rabbit. And the Rabbit is said to be the luckiest sign in the Chinese calendar.

So what's the Rabbit all about? His motto could be "Let there be peace — and let it begin with me." The Rabbit is a fence mender. He likes to kiss and make-up.

The Rabbit is also a self-indulgent fellow with good taste and an air of refinement. You'll need to watch yourself this year because the temptation to spend will be bigger. You'll want to go to the theatre, to the spa, to your favourite restaurant. And this is particularly true if you are, like me, a member of the Rabbit's posse: sheeps, pigs (like me) and dogs. So while you're having a GREAT year, don't go over-board. Yes, seize opportunities, enjoy the moment and make your dreams come true. But don't lose sight of some of the practical aspects of life, which the Rabbit likes to ignore. While you're spending a little, save a little too.

Any new year is a good opportunity to stop and take stock of how life has been treating you. What could you do differently to make things more the way you want them to be? With the western New Year following so closely on the heels of Christmas, sometimes goal setting falls by the wayside. We're so busy getting things back on track in January that we don't have the time to reflect and look forward. You can take the Chinese New Year as your opportunity to slow down and think a little. Do some planning. Look at what has been and think about what you would like your life to be like. Breathe. Ponder. Dream.

This is in keeping with the Rabbit. He's a relaxed fellow. He's calm. He's persistent. (Remember those stories of Peter and how determined he was to eat the veggies in Mr. McGreggor's garden?). He is also cautious, taking his time and thinking carefully before making a move. You would do well to pace yourself like the Rabbit, looking before you leap, and remembering that there are predators out there willing and waiting to gobble you up. Make sure you verify before you buy.

Traditionally the year of the Rabbit is associated with home and family and artistic pursuits. Plan to relax, to enjoy the simple pleasures, to hang with your peeps. After several years of battling to stay afloat, the Year of the Rabbit brings the opportunity to relax. Socialize, have some fun, and build up your energy stores.

You'll need it because next year, Enter the Dragon.

Want to ready more about how your "animal" sign will be affected during the year of the Rabbit? Here's some reading fun and some more.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!