The Year Of The Snake, May 5th

If you’re not up on your Chinese zodiac symbolism, let me educate you from what I’ve recently learned. The Chinese zodiac is a twelve-year cycle and assigns a different animal to each year. It is one of the cornerstones of Chinese culture. You’ll find that distinct characteristics also pair to each animal. And it’s fascinating to learn about yourself based on your year of birth to see if you match up to your designated symbol.

I was born in the year of the Monkey. Here’s what my Chinese zodiac sign says according the help of AI: Intelligent: Monkeys are known for being quick learners and problem-solvers. Creative: Monkeys are inventive, original, and skillful. Energetic: Monkeys are playful, lively, and sociable. Witty: Monkeys are known for being fun and well-rounded.  Strong-willed: Monkeys are determined and have a strong will, but they can cool off quickly. Compatibility: Monkeys are said to be most compatible with the Rat and the Dragon but need to avoid the Tiger. So other than the Tiger thing (Uh oh! Michael is a Tiger.) I think I am total Monkey material. Crazy.

2025 happens to be the Year of the Snake. The year officially started on January 29th, so I’m a tad overdue telling you about this, but let’s just roll with it, mmkay? This is apparently a huge year to embrace wisdom and transformation. And I couldn’t agree more. I am fully embracing this concept. Let me tell you how.

I mentioned that earlier this year I’d launched my own business. No more corporate jobs. No more bosses. Ever. No more decisions made by other people regarding my pay, schedule, travel, dress code, creative input, meetings, marketing materials, pipeline or the level of success I can achieve. It is overwhelmingly fabulous to be in total control of my own future. No more being forced to be polite in year end reviews when I want to scream, “You wanted me to make how many phone calls?” No more corporate ladder politicking– which I sucked at by the way! No more water cooler chatter, have to birthday parties, corporate retreats, training of new team members, or mandatory clapping. The farce is indeed over! It’s just glorious to be on my own and fully embrace my own transformation.

The best part about slithering through 2025 is shedding my own skin. I have found joy in doing all the things I’m supposed to be doing. With absolutely no supervision, I’m incredibly disciplined and motivated and allowing myself downtime to regroup and recharge. Finally some work/life self-imposed balance. And I’m learning all sorts of new things about keeping my own books and records, insurance options, legal oversight, bonding, banks and balances! Whew. The journey so far has been incredible. Plus I couldn’t take the easy way out like this guy below who was creative enough to start his own online heckling business. Ha! He must be having a blast. Can you imagine?

Remember that song from the 80s by the Pet Shop Boys called Left To My Own Devices? The line I like best is, “Left to my own devices, I probably would.” Well, I’m happy to say that I am doing all of it. Each and every day. And it’s not like there will be a magic finish line that I cross. The actual satisfaction is in the doing. I am moving with purpose. I am acting with intention. And I’m happy to see my own determination, calmness, and growth.

So take it from this Monkey, a strong will mixed with a little problem solving know how, and a sprinkle of fun is my recipe for charming the hell out of the Year of the Snake!