“This year rewards action, but not at the cost of common sense. Take advantage of the momentum, but keep your feet on the ground and your ego in check.” ~ Katherine Huang Happy New Year!
Last year, I was in the Philippines and Vietnam during the Lunar New Yearcelebrations. It was incredible to experience the energy and be part of the festivities. 🎇 The loss of sleep due to regular eruptions of fireworks? Was real! 🤣 So this year, I’m enjoying learning more about the Year of the Fire Horse. While there are 12 animals associated with the Chinese Zodiac, there hasn’t been a FireHorse since 1966. My birth year (1970) is typically considered a Year of the Dog (loyal, honest, and a strong sense of justice). However, my birthdate (January 24) actually places me into the year of the Rooster . . . because the New Year did not begin in 1970 until February 6. The element connected to that Rooster? Earth. While the Rooster is traditionally viewed as organized, honest, and observant, the Earth element adds in a layer of stability and practicality. Then of course there’s the time of day you are born that further dials things in. This introduces your Secret Animal . . . which is said to govern your private self and true personality. My hour of birth makes my Secret Animal the Boar, or Pig. How does the Pig (my private self) influence the Rooster (my public self)? Well, the Rooster makes me hardworking and organized, and the Pig timing adds a layer of mercy, gentleness, and sincerity. People born in this hour are often more laid-back, compassionate, and prioritize harmony over the Rooster’s typical bluntness. Gosh, I love this stuff! For me? It’s fun, and useful, to have a lens, or a mapping, for aspects of myself. I can take what resonates, and is helpful, and not stress about anything else. I’d love to hear about your Animal, your Element, and your Secret Animal Does it feel accurate for you? For the year of the Fire Horse, here are some affirmations to can help us move forward boldly while staying connected to our integrity. Thank you Katherine Huang for the inspiration. Embracing Changes & the Unknown:
Confidence & Courage:
Grounding & Patience:
Staying grounded and galloping forward, m
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“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” ~ Maya Angelou Hello, friends!
Thank you for meeting me here. It’s great to be with you. 💞 I draft these letters on Tuesdays. This morning, as I write, the Monks have made it to Washington, D.C. They have been walking every day, for 108 days, to honor and spread peace. I look forward to seeing what unfolds with their arrival in our Nation’s capital, and I join them in mindfulness. I am amazed by the steadfastness and the tranquility of the Venerable Monks who have completed this walk. Through the discomfort, the challenges, the hardships, they have continued moving forward, one step at a time. With grace and humility. There’s so much for me to learn, simply by witnessing. As I tune in, I pay attention to a question within: What’s not mine that I am carrying? I look forward to exploration in this area, because I think there are multitudes to gently uncover. Possibly to release? If this is a question that resonates with you, I invite you to join me. I’ll be digging into the roots with forgiving tools of excavation. And, over the next month I hope to shift something by showing up and taking one step at a time. Oh? And the word that’s really speaking to me right now? Tenderness. So as I explore, I want to hold that in the foreground. For myself and for all others. As Bad Bunny reminded the world this week: The only thing more powerful than hate is love. With love, light, and longing for peace, m 
“Doing those deeply unfashionable things-- slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting—is a radical act now, but it is essential.” ~ Katherine May Hello!
It’s so great being back at home. Snuggling with my boys (Mike & Javier 🥰), indulging in a long bath, gazing at the full moon, catching up with friends and family, returning to teaching. It’s quite a transition, and I am trying to gift myself grace and spaciousness. With that in mind, a short note today. I can feel my re-entry is taking longer. I want to be okay with that. My body is asking for more sleep. My brain is not feeling super bright, nor my being super productive. If you missed this week’s quotation, take another read. 👀⬆️ Being busy, and checking things off the list feels good to me. Slowing down? That’s a little more challenging. I’m intrigued by the concept of letting my spare time expand. That’s one I’m going to have to settle into. So today? Reminding myself to honor this moment and meet it best I can. Today? I want to thank YOU for being here. I’m honored by your presence and enriched by our connection. May we all be willing to listen to our own bodies and beings so we can remain resourced. With love, light, and longing for peace, m |
AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
April 2026
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