Lifestyle
Saying ‘I’m Sorry’
I had a conversation not too long ago with friends about the increasing breakdown in civility, courtesy, and decency in society. The lack of good manners creates isolation, loneliness and a feeling of not being cared for.
I have noticed these days when you tell others you are not doing well or going through a hard time, the other person often doesn’t seem to know how to respond. You’re lucky if you get at least a blank stare! This is not how grew up. There were a few ‘odd’ people in the old days who seemed stoic or lacking in empathy – but they stuck out! Now it seems to be the norm.
I saw a post on social media recently stating that we should stop saying ‘I’m sorry’ for everything. Instead, for example, if you are late, one should say ‘thank you for waiting for me.’ I feel this ill-conceived idea is a reflection of the social issues we face as a society today.
If someone was late and didn’t say sorry (which happens often to me) I would be even more annoyed. Words are powerful. A sincere apology (and forgiveness) has tremendous power.
The idea that no apology is needed when you are late is very narcissistic in my opinion. Life is not always about us, or what suits us, because in this world what is best for others is in fact also what is best for us. Selfish, cruel, mean people end up being miserable. Generous, well-mannered, kind-hearted people are blessed.
The concept here is apparently that by offering a sincere apology you are being submissive or bowing down to someone else by degrading yourself. Well, that is simply bizarre. An apology is a way of honoring the other person and keeping your dignity?
We all make mistakes. I am usually on time, but I have been late a few times in my life. Honor and dignity are not objects of pride; they are objects of humility, compassion, and respect for others.
Astrology Forecast January 24 – 30, 2022
Mars enters Capricorn today, adding power and drive to our every move over the next two months. Mars in Capricorn is an assertive, enterprising energy that increases our sense of responsibility, ambition and courage. We’ll want to capitalize on this energy and start putting our plans for the future into action. Moving with care will be important though, as we may tend to overestimate ourselves under this aspect. So, avoid the urge to look before you leap and first do your research. Avoid acting carelessly on a whim.
Tomorrow and Wednesday unfold under a Scorpio Moon, which could bring hidden information to the surface or alert you to where your thinking might be off. Take everything you hear and see with a grain of salt, as illusion could cloud your perception.
The Scorpio Half Moon tomorrow morning can further cause some disagreement or difficulties with family and coworkers; tension could arise with your partner or spouse; and conflict with strangers in public could also occur.
The Scorpio Moon opposition with Uranus in Taurus on Tuesday afternoon afternoon could make matters even worse, with people being irritable, moody and argumentative. Keep a calm focus and do not allow yourself to be derailed by the erratic negativity of those around you.
Thursday and Friday carry a fun and light-hearted tone under a Sagittarius Moon, where we can shake off the seriousness of the last few weeks and embrace the optimistic energy filling the air.
Venus will turns direct this weekend, after six weeks of retrograde motion, making it easier to navigate relationships and determine our true hearts’ desires. The Capricorn Moon also makes this weekend a great time to clear out clutter, do some home repairs, or simply tend to those personal needs we’ve been neglecting.
What Are Your Snapshots For The Year Ahead?
What does the future have in store for me? It’s a valid question after all the upheaval of life during the past two years. In fact this question is on so many minds at present, including my own.
The last two years have been difficult for most, if not all of us. We have all suffered loss, grief, stress, frustration, and anxiety. Regardless of what your personal views and beliefs may be regarding this difficult time in the world, what does matter is where you are mentally and spiritually at this moment.
This weekend may be a good time to recenter, align and ground your energy. Take some time out from all the mayhem today and do some meditation, prayer, visualization, or breath-work. Allow God, Source, Spirit, the Universe to fill you with positive energy, light and blessings, and release the negative thoughts and anxieties you may be holding on to.
Also, take some time to calmly contemplate and make a list of your goals, wishes, desires and dreams for the year ahead. Or better yet, create a vision board, manifesting box, or journal. Cut out pictures from old magazines, copy positive affirmations, and collect some trinkets to place on a board, in a box, or in a scrapbook.
Once it is complete, place your board, box or book somewhere in your home or office where you can look at it often. Take a little time every day to focus on it and ask yourself what each goal, wish or intention you have added to it truly means to you.
I have a brochure of new camera with a special lens on my vision board for this year. When I ask myself what it represents to me, I remind myself that my new dream camera sees the beauty in our world through a magical lens. It will bring out the brightest of colors. and the most beautiful scenery. It will also capture the vitality and magnificence of all my spirit totems (mostly eagles, red tail hawk, owls, sand hill cranes).
Astrology Forecast January 17 – 23, 2022
Hope you rested up the last two weeks, as the astrological events in the heavens this week could have us running on all cylinders!
A Cancer Full Moon, also known as the ‘Wolf’ Moon greets us today, which could make us moody and not really interested in work or socializing. Get what you can off your plate before noon, so you don’t feel overwhelmed or frustrated later in the day, as the Cancer Moon opposition with Pluto in Capricorn may have us feeling even more dejected and in a sulky mood.
Cancer Full Moons are also notorious for predisposing us to family drama and triggering disputes with loved ones and relatives, so find your calm center before you leave work to go home. Also take special care with your personal health this afternoon, as we tend to be more vulnerable to illness under this lunar influence.
By the way, Full Moons are a good time for release, so you may want to consider what you’re ready to let go of in your life to get what you want. Friendships? Clutter? Financial obligations that are needlessly draining your pocketbook? Release what no longer serves you.
Things will be a little brighter tomorrow, as the Moon moves into Leo, and Uranus resumes forward motion in Taurus after 5 months to clear away the sense of frustration that many of us have been feeling.
On Wednesday the Sun will move into the dazzling sign of Aquarius and move us to yet another level of freedom, provided we’re ready to experience the new and unusual! New ideas and innovative thoughts will come our way. And Thursday and Friday’s Virgo Moon will have us processing and sorting through each and every one of them.
Take heart, as after a week of several shifts and turns, this weekend’s Libra Moon will work to restore a sense of balance and harmony to our lives before we move forward.
Boldly Into The Future With Jupiter In Pisces 2022
It’s a new year and I feel the need to exhale and wipe the sweat off my forehead. We all made it through a very intense 2021. I know I’m not the only one to feel the sense of relief.
Astrologically speaking, Saturn square Uranus was no laughing matter in 2021. I personally know many people whose lives were shaken. We’ve all taken a hit from the pandemic, losing loved ones, jobs, and our emotional sense of security (Uranus in Taurus).
And then for a brief time, from May until July, Jupiter, the planet of hope, freedom, and happiness, dipped its big toes into the ocean of Pisces with many public health precautions lifted and optimism returning.
We nervously stepped out, albeit a bit ‘grungy’ looking. Fashion became comfy loungewear, the beards were left bushy, and women owned their greys. But we ventured out of our caves and life began to stir as the sun’s rays nourished our now socially awkward selves.
It was nice while it lasted.
Then Jupiter went back into Aquarius, once again cohabiting with the Scrooge of the planets, Saturn, and we went back into our cocoons, experiencing increasing shell shocks as Saturn and Uranus completed their final square dance right before Christmas. Polarizing politics, flights canceled, families torn asunder.
And many celebrity deaths in the news this past two years, including our beloved Betty White to close out 2021.
But, the first four months of this year we will once again feel the benevolent optimism, miracles and good fortune of Jupiter returning to Pisces shining its light in the world! Jupiter will do the same again at the end of October to finish out the year.
Astrology Forecast January 10 – 16, 2022
Mercury goes retrograde in Aquarius this week, on Friday, but we can expect to see evidence of it as early as today. Miscommunication, lost items and internet glitches could litter the week, so stay on alert. Also remember that if obstacles or setbacks arise there is always a different path to get to where you’re going.
The Moon marches through grounded Taurus today through Wednesday, which should add a lot of stability to our movements the first half of the week. The Taurus Moon sextile Jupiter in Pisces constellation this afternoon will also have us feeling upbeat and positive and bodes well for business meetings, financial success and getting a good deal.
Tomorrow the constellation of Mars in Sagittarius square Neptune in Pisces may give rise to fake news, extremism, and misinformation, while the Taurus Moon conjunction with Uranus will help to fan the flames! It may therefore be best to not engage too much with your social media feed tomorrow, and to avoid relatives and coworkers who have disturbing, marginalized views on important matters.
If there’s anything important you definitely have to get done this week, try to get it off your plate before Thursday – especially if it requires clear communication, travel or digital technology. The Moon will hang out in Gemini Thursday and Friday, and with Gemini’s ruler Mercury changing direction, this could be the time when miscommunication is at it’s highest. So, if your phone or laptop isn’t working quite right, don’t be surprised! Avoid making any major ‘set in stone’ decisions for the next three weeks, as changing your mind at the last minute will be a scene.
It might be wise to lay low and stay close to home over the weekend, as the Moon travels through Cancer. Stoke the home fires and rather attend to our closest relationships. it will be good for your soul.
Maybe It’s Time To Dream Big Again!
The first week of a brand-new year is an opportune time for reflection on the past year, and an opportunity to visualize the upcoming year with fresh optimism and conviction.
For most of us, the past two years have been difficult and even overwhelming with various social restrictions, stress, political upheaval, illness, anxiety, fear, grief, financial loss. We endured a roller-coaster of events that made us hopeful yet kept us off-balance. Our lives and daily routines have been repeatedly disrupted.
However, in spite of the various set-backs, we made it. We showed courage, strength, perseverance and the ability to bounce back. We can now face 2022, trusting that we are slowly but surely heading in the right direction.
So, take a minute to pat yourself on the back. Reflect on some of the hurdles you overcame in 2020 and 2021, whether they involved financial strain, health challenges, family issues or unpredictable relationships. Regardless of the outcomes, you can rest assured that you did the best you could with what you knew at the time. We can take pride in the fact that, despite the constant setbacks and obstacles, we somehow figured things out and made it work. Job well done!
Now, let’s look to the future for the year 2022. Maybe it’s time to dare to dream big? Think of all the things you would like to accomplish over the next twelve months. What would joy, fulfillment and happiness look like for you?
Does it involve changes to be made regarding lifestyle choices, personal responsibility, or perhaps self-care? Might your happiness involve the mutual support of friends and family with group goals? Is a well-deserved vacation long overdue? Would taking a course, conducting some personal research, or working more efficiently improve your chances for a promotion or starting that new business?