Chill And Chill

Many people are experiencing feelings of depression and a lack of drive this year.

These negative emotions are directly related to pressures arising from the new direction that their lives are presently taking. You may be one of these individuals who are either at the beginning of a new career avenue, relationship, or an increase in financial responsibilities. Then again, you may simply be trying to decide where you want your life to take you. The going is difficult right now and you will probably believe that you are quite alone on your chosen path. Financial concerns will be the root cause of anxiety for scores of people due to the downturn in the economy and unplanned expenses, but finding a way forward for other reasons will also be a cause for worry. This is how things are at the start of a new cycle and it is natural to suffer the growing pains that accompany such a period.

Imagine a sapling that is trying to grow in a dense forest. It needs sunlight, rain and energy from the soil but larger trees surround it, shade it and take most of the available goodness from the earth. If the sapling is to survive and grow it needs to build its strength slowly, setting down a firm foundation with its roots while reaching for the scarce sunlight and moisture that manages to filter its way through the other trees. This is no easy process for the sapling as there are any number of things that could prevent it from becoming a fully-grown tree and only a few that will help it to blossom. On the surface this appears to be a solitary challenge but behind the scenes in such a way as to be almost invisible, there is an entire eco-system at work.

At this time you are to some extent like the sapling, trying to grow in difficult circumstances. The period that you have entered is a cycle in which to begin again or to make a fresh start. You need to be independent and forward thinking in your approach while remaining aware of your responsibilities to those around you. You are not alone now but you do need to think for yourself and delve inside your mind to discover what you really want to bring about, as only you know what your deep-seated goals are.

There are hidden opportunities around you that you will only notice if you are both sensitive and aware. Set medium to long- range objectives, as this is not a short-term strategy that you are undertaking and avoid impatience both with yourself and others as this attitude will just deplete your energy levels. Begin to build your foundations slowly and put down roots but make them practical rather than imagined. Do not allow yourself the luxury of indecision as this could cause inertia to set in. Believe in yourself and be prepared to express your ideas tactfully to the people that can help you to achieve your aim. They are your 'eco-system' and they will help you if you are clear on what it is that you are searching for. In point of fact, it would not be unusual to meet someone that figures strongly in your future this year but be careful as to whom you choose to confide in as not everyone will be trustworthy. So take the initiative, promote yourself, use your talents and develop the correct skills to suit your situation. Once you are certain of what you want, be determined, decisive and do not take 'no' for an answer. Maintain your poise and stay calm because it is all too easy now to lose emotional control or to attempt to dominate others to your point of view. Any form of personal development, research work or meditation, will be fruitful over the next few months.

You will also need to be almost business-minded, as money will not come easily. Keep an eye on the purse strings and only invest if you have sought good advice and researched the risks. Acting on impulse or being headstrong are both rash attitudes and will have their consequences. You may have to leave old habits, outdated methods and situations that no longer serve a useful purpose behind you. Indulge in a little self-analysis and scrutinise your behaviour from the time that you get up out of bed. Decide which habits and responses have served you well in the past but no longer figure in your future. Firmly but gradually weed them out so that you can replace them with the new, improved you. While you are practicing this exercise try to avoid getting caught up in the moment as you gaze at the past because it is your future that you are ignoring. Fear of the unknown could also hold you back but you should be prepared to think long and hard, and then to take a chance. This is not an easy year by any means and you will need to keep moving forward, have courage and to work hard towards your ideals but remember that fortune favours the brave.

Good luck.