Image by Deanna Schrayer
Most of us, at the end of each year, either make New Year’s resolutions or think back on the year we’re about to leave behind; some of us do both. I am of the latter, though I do shy away from resolutions as if they’re bounty hunters and I’m the hunted…I probably shouldn’t admit that – ah well, it’s the truth.
It isn’t that I don’t look forward – I do. In fact, I’ve used too much of my vacation time planning and cleaning, (files on my computer), than I have writing, and with only three days left I have to paint the den and two hallways! (Not that I’m complaining, I love to paint).
But I digress. I often wonder what it says about me that my mind is more often on the past than it is the future. Every once in a while I contemplate the day my children will graduate high school, the fun we’ll have when they head off to college. But it’s very hard for me to imagine that I will be older at that time than I am now, just as they will be. I’m a Leo, which is the teenager of the zodiac, the one whose statement is “I live”, (every zodiac sign represents an age of life, beginning with Aries, the infant, and ending with Pisces, which embodies all the signs to symbolize “wisdom of all the ages”). As that teenager, I tend to be a bit rebellious, which, I believe, is what keeps me from pondering old age. I enjoy living in the moment, and I think back on the past with a nostalgic outlook that seems to block me from thinking of the future. In other words, I want to glorify the happy moments, live life to the fullest, and hope that nothing changes to destroy that happiness. Yes, this can be a dangerous way of thinking for change is something none of us can avoid, and if we don’t embrace it and work with it, we’re doomed to endure many disappointing times to come. I try to keep that in mind, to go with the flow and see the positive aspects of change. But still, there’s that tug at the back of my mind saying, “Stop! Don’t go any further lest you lose the pleasure of right now!” So, even as I’m doing my best to concentrate on what those positive changes can bring, I’m also thinking about a special time in my life that happened maybe ten years ago, and holding on fast.
I’m happy to say that, even though my extended family has lived through some tough times this past year, overall we’ve had a pretty good 2011, and I look forward to making 2012 even better.
How about you? Do you make New Year’s resolutions, and do you stick to them? Do you think only about what has already passed? Or do you do both? After giving that some thought, check out your zodiac sign, (go to the bottom of the page and click on your sign), and compare – it’s quite interesting, especially if you enjoy philosophical meditation as I do.
elizabeth
December 31, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Haha, I don’t think about the past OR the future
I only think about right now. Well, until something forces my hand. Then I prepare and let it go. Now you’ve got me thinking where I am in the Zodiac lifespan. Gotta go see! 
All the best for a wonderful year.
Deanna Schrayer
January 1, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Love, love, love your attitude Elizabeth! Living in the moment – as we always should.
Let me know where you are in the zodiac, I’m anxious to find out.
elizabeth
January 1, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Well, according to what I read I am a student, and I study. I wish! I’m a Virgo and much of what was attributed to me was a little off, but in general it pretty much nailed it.
elizabeth
January 1, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Haha, I just looked-up hubby’s and he’s, “I know!” Yea, he definitely does believe that
Deanna Schrayer
January 2, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Oh, how funny Elizabeth! I bet my hubby wishes he were an Aquarius too, ’cause I know he’d love to be able to (truthfully) say “I know”.
I can easily see you as a student, as much as you study on the dynamics of life, but I know what you mean about parts of the zodiac claims that we’re “supposed to reflect such-and-such personality”. I hope that makes sense. I’m glad you enjoy astrology because I know I can talk to you about it and you’ll understand what I mean, (even though sometimes I seem to make no sense at all.) My husband’s zodiac personality is very much like he truly is in many cases, but in most it doesn’t sound like him at all. I suspect his rising sign, (whatever it is, I don’t know), better describes him. My ascendent is Taurus, the toddler – “I have” – and there are many aspects of Taurus’s character that describe me to a tee, stubborness being among the top ones.
Also – being insecure at times, balking at a change in routine, etc. It’s scary to contemplate how accurate these attributions are!