Year of the Dragon
Happy New Year! Yesterday marked the dawn of the Chinese New Year, and 2012 is the Year of the Dragon.
The Chinese New Year, also known as the spring festival, is celebrated throughout much of Asia with dancing, parades, family meals and gifts for loved ones. Here in the United States, you can find festivals and gatherings on a more limited scale.
But what does the Chinese New Year mean for us? How can we embrace this celebration in our personal lives?
Each year of the Chinese calendar is represented by one of twelve animals. The year of the Dragon is the most favored and recognized sign of the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is a strong and powerful creature, said to bring strength, intelligence and action.
How can you embrace the dragon during this New Year?
Find Your Inner Strength.
There are days we all feel worn-down. There are days when we just don’t feel strong enough. What is your source of inner strength? Is it your Higher Power? Is it the connection with or the memory of loved ones? Is it your hope for the future? When you feel strong, write a message of strength and encouragement for yourself to read on a bad day. We all have dark days; always remember that you have probably made it through much more challenging times in the past.
While the dragon represents strength, there are many types of strength. Many of us understand addiction as a dark dragon that once took over everything–but not every source of strength comes from a dark place. You can grow your own inner power– and it is up to you to decide how your strength can help you heal. Your strength will get you through anything, and chances are—you are much stronger than you realize.
Discover what Fuels Your Fire.
What motivates you? What ignites your passion? If addiction has consumed your life for a long time, you may struggle to find your passion. You may struggle to find your own identity, your own wishes and dreams, and you may feel lost for a little while. It’s normal to feel a little lost—we have all been there and you are not alone. Take time to get to know yourself again. You may discover a whole new you that you never knew before.
Be a Leader.
If addiction has impacted your life, you may find that you are absolutely passionate about breaking the stigma associated with addiction. (We here at Heroes in Recovery are definitely passionate about that!)
But what can you do to make a difference? One person may not be able to change the world right away, but you can make a difference in the life of at least one other person. Email us and find out more about how you can join the Heroes in Recovery movement. Learn how you can make an impact in the lives of others.
There are ways to volunteer, connect, reach out, and make a difference in just a few moments a day. Chances are, by finding and embracing your passion, you may find more healing and strength in your own life.
Let Your Light Shine.
The Chinese New Year celebration typically lasts 15 days. At the end of the 15 days, the celebration concludes with a lantern festival. On the 15th night, individuals and families carry and display lighted lanterns to celebrate the light of a new year, the glow of new opportunity, and a rebirth of life.
Let your light shine this Chinese New Year. You are here on this Earth for a unique and wonderful purpose. May the year of the dragon bring you a new purpose and help you connect to your own passions and strengths. Keep visiting our page and find us on Facebook. Connect with us and find out how you can be a hero in your hometown. Happy New Year!