what I'm shedding and keeping in the Year of the Snake
plus: snake-inspired reads 🐍
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We’re nearing the end of Lunar New Year, a celebration that lasts for 15 days and ends on the Lantern Festival (which is tomorrow). I celebrate New Year’s, but also LNY, which for me is often a second chance to “restart.” I think about my word of the year again, as well as reflect on actions I’ve taken toward it. I also think about the upcoming Chinese zodiac animal sign and what traits I can apply to my life.
We’re now in the Year of the Snake. I know in Lunar Love, my Chinese zodiac matchmaking rom-com, I made Olivia’s ex a Snake. But here’s the thing. I harbor no real-life resentment for Snakes. In fact, I love them. I married one! 😆
Snakes are a celebrated and revered sign in the Chinese zodiac. They’re wise, ambitious, and are deep thinkers. They have senses of humor and are outwardly serene. Deep down, they’re on guard. Naturally skeptical, Snakes trust their own instincts over others’ and treasure their privacy. They can also be possessive and demanding. Snakes are fast learners and tenacious, as well as graceful and sophisticated.
It’s a time for renewal and transformation. It’s time to shed what’s no longer serving us and old beliefs, embrace new beginnings and growth, be smart with our energy, and be flexible with unpredictable twists and turns. The Snake is an auspicious sign for inner work, “whether it’s releasing unrealistic expectations of loved ones or getting rid of bad habits.”
This idea of renewal and shedding got me thinking about what I want to bring with me into the year and what I want to get rid of. This ‘shed’ vs. ‘keep’ list is my version of an ‘in’ and ‘out’ list and feels like a low-key and low-stakes way to remember what’s serving me and what’s not.
