Year of the Ox

The Chinese New Year began February 12, 2021. Just for fun, let’s review the top three characteristics of the Year of the Ox. Last year’s sign, the Year of the Rat, sure lived down to its worst characteristics!

The Year of the Ox is described as a time of hard work, honesty, and positivity. Those are good words to me. Especially the positivity. While there is a sense of weariness out there, I feel a deep desire to move forward towards a wonderful year anyway. Today I was talking with a friend about this, and we pledged to “have a party for no reason.” Loving the sound of that!

Nevertheless- these attributes should be an integral part of how you and your student develop in 2021.

HARD WORK- Congratulations to each of us for just surviving 2020. Especially remote learning. Yes, a few balls in the air got dropped. Fine. You are still amazing! Take a moment and celebrate what you have survived and achieved! I bet you will love a little deeper, dig a little harder, laugh a little longer, and seek more moments of joy. You may give up what no longer interests you. Instead, you will focus on what you WANT to get done on ye old bucket list. Going through hard times gives clarity to what is important.

As you and your student consider all this, ask your student what they have discovered about themselves. It may surprise you. It may surprise them. Tough times tend to hone a new edge or direction. And that is a win for anyone.

HONESTY- This is always important, but never more than right now. After almost twelve months under pandemic guidelines, what should I be aiming for and doing? What do I miss? How will I be more intentional? When some of our “busy-ness” gets stripped away, there is more clarity about what is important. If Higher Education is NOT what they need to do, go a different path. If the Major needs to change, look at that process. If you have the means to make an even bigger change, take the risk. After all, you survived a pandemic! You can tackle other life changes, too!

POSITIVITY- For most of us, this should not be a problem We want to get back to joy. We want to celebrate one another. Personally, I want to be MORE human and a BETTER HUMAN. I want to celebrate one another and champion joy in 2021. And, frankly, I plan to celebrate just being here. Many, many celebrations!

Let’s enjoy the top characteristics of the Year of the Ox; hard work, honesty, & positivity. Let’s reach out to one another in respect and caring. Let’s ditch things we are not called to do. Let’s really stay connected going forward. We need each other. Let’s make sure we do life together, in our future years.

Next week, Pinocchio and the Promise of Free College. Yep- not afraid to tackle cartoons and politics… oh wait. Are they the same?

Until Next Time,

All my Best,

Bonnie Burkett