Year of the What?

For the Chinese, this might be the Year of the Pig, the Earth Pig in particular, an animal we might not consider particularly smart, but celebrated nonetheless by all and sundry for its quirky nature and delectable taste, if you happen to like that sort of thing. For me though, it has definitely been the Year of the Ladybug, or Ladybird, whichever you prefer, for my house has been inundated with these delightful little creatures all year, popping up in the most unlikely places. Nearly drank one the other day in a glass of water left on the kitchen bench overnight. No matter how hard he bug-paddled there was no way he was going to make it out again, so yet another rescue mission was launched.

The Pig is the twelfth sign in the Chinese zodiac, a symbol of wealth, and those born in its year can supposedly look forward to a life where they will be favoured with good skills at socialising and maintaining interpersonal relationships. As I delved deeper into the expected individual characteristics of those born at this juncture of the cycle, I came across an entire lowdown on ‘Careers fit for Pigs,’ rather unfortunate wording I thought. I then wondered what those born next year can look forward to in terms of ‘Careers fit for Rats.’ Doesn’t sound like a future I’d like to pursue.

Apparently, I was born in the Year of the Tiger, so I’m supposed to be a born leader, brave, forceful, full of fiery passion, power and stateliness. That is so not me. I’ve never bothered to consult my star sign either to see if Sagittarius is in someone else’s moon or house and therefore will have some influence on what happens to me this week. If I did believe in the power of zodiac signs, I would like to have been born in the Year of the Ladybug. Small, quiet and unassuming, usually hidden from view but going about its business without seeking attention, removing destructive pests with a minimum of fuss, contributing to the health of the environment, and making people smile when they come across it quite by chance.

Some of that describes me to a tee, not sure about the pest eradication role though. I’m happy to get stuck in when faced with all sorts of mess, but if the opposing force needing to be dealt with is of the human variety I’ll run a mile rather than deal with confrontation.

When it comes down to it, life is what you make it. Our actions pay testament to those forces we allow to influence our lives and the direction we take, whether we choose to be optimists or pessimists, contributors or users, self-aware or self-absorbed. For good or bad, situations beyond our control come our way which have the potential to either present us with unforeseen opportunities, or throw us completely off our axis. Such moments test our courage, resolve, and character. No matter what life throws at us though, we can still choose how we respond.

When things don’t go as planned, we can buckle at the knees, become overwhelmed, angry, bitter, vengeful, looking at every turn for someone to blame for our troubles. Initial reactions to trauma or any type of personal tragedy are instinctual, but as reality sinks in and we gain some perspective, we often discover there are untapped wells of strength, courage and ability inside us on which to draw. Daring to see beyond the pain to a future where our experiences can contribute to the healing of both ourselves as well as others on similar journeys, can be the impetus to get us moving again.

And when positive opportunities present themselves, we’re not normally in the habit of simply thanking our lucky stars. Rarely do such moments just land in our laps. There are no shortcuts to realising our dreams, so when things do fall into place, more often than not it’s the result of our diligence, persistence and good judgment, both personally and interpersonally, that sees us reap the benefits.

While I’ve been musing over all this, my resident ladybug has trekked around the desk, up and over pens and notebooks, oblivious to where my mind has wandered just by making its appearance. Thought I’d lost him, or her, but there it was, right near my hand on the edge of the desk, waiting patiently to be rescued and put back outside in amongst the plants. So roll on, Year of the Ladybug, I’m honoured to host your adventurous forays into my domain, and more than happy to align myself with your exquisite characteristics.

Now, where can I find a red jumper with black spots?