So, I have a strong personality. This is something I have always known but I have learned over the years to bite my tongue and behave myself (usually). So in honor of the recent start of the new Chinese New Year, I have a story to share about animals, family, and an easy exercise for self-reflection.
A few years ago, I was selected to participate in a leadership development program and one of the exercises during our first session (an overnight retreat) was to analyze our classmates and determine if they were a dog, deer, lion or fox. I love dogs, and well, I really imagined myself as a dependable, loving, relentlessly friendly dog. Well, my group decided I was a lion on the first day (which I chalked up to them not knowing me very well), and on the second day, the entire group simultaneously confirmed me as a lion (which was borderline offensive, but of course forgivable). As soon as I got in the car that afternoon, I immediately dialed DH and the conversation went something like this:
Me: Hi, honey – so excited to be on my way home! Can’t wait to see you! (wag wag wag) So I have a question for you, if you had to pick whether I was a fox, deer, lion or a dog, what would you say?
DH: Definitely a lion.
Me: Really? Are you sure? The choices are a fox, deer, lion or a dog …
DH: Yup, I heard you. Definitely a lion…..
Me: (stunned silence)
DH: Why …. what do you think you are ….
Me: A dog of course. You know what, my reception is getting really bad, I’ll see you in a bit, ok?
And then I immediately called a very good friend and asked her the same question. And she had the same answer.
Upon arriving at home, of course the conversation with DH started right where we left off.
Me: So really, you think I am a lion? When I think of a lion, I think of someone who is territorial, over-protective, and aggressive?
DH: Exactly. (pause and then quickly adding) But those aren’t necessarily bad traits….
This lead me to an all-out defense of my personality and where better to build a defense than online horoscopes. Now I am a Libra (the best sign, btw) but I needed an animal reference. So I went in search of the Chinese Horoscope animals. My Chinese sign is a Rabbit (BIG SMILE) and below is one of my favorite descriptions:
Rabbits, like their animal counterparts, are quite calm people who do not exhibit aggressive behavior and will avoid confrontation at all costs. When angry about something, a Rabbit will approach it calmly and considerately, hardly ever raising his voice or becoming visibly annoyed. Because of their serenity, Rabbits seem to miss things, whether they are confrontational in nature or not. However, the Rabbit is quite keen and pays close attention to the situations developing around him. He is intelligent and quick and can talk himself in or out of most situations with no problem.
The Chinese Rabbit is one of the most stylish creatures of the Chinese Animal Signs and finds interest in different cultures. He is classy and sophisticated, and can be found adorning one of the latest fashion magazine cover looks. Rabbits also like artistic ventures, such as painting and music and are generally quite present in these worlds. They love top express themselves, which is evident when joining them at home for a function or a cup of coffee.
I was so happy because this sounded just like me. But then I noticed another website that talked about how the quick year-based Chinese signs that you see on restaurant placemats are not actually accurate. Instead, I filled out a more detailed search feature to find my real Chinese horoscope. And to my horror, found out that I am in fact not a rabbit but a BLACK DRAGON. (Seriously? Not just a dragon, but a black dragon??)
After reading this description, I have to admit that this actually sounds more like me than the fairy tale version of me I saw reflected in the Rabbit. Although there are some characteristics I need to be tuned into turning down, there are still some very nice “not necessarily bad” traits that I admire (mostly in other people).
Now the good news is that as of February 4, 2012 as the start of the Chinese New Year, it is now officially the Year of the Black Dragon. (which has to mean good things are coming my way!)
So what animal are you? Do your friends and family agree?
Ami D'Amelio 