R. David Shew
According to the Chinese Zodiac, something that I do not study very often, 2025 was the year of the Wood Snake. Per my Internet research and we all believe whatever is on the Internet, the Wood Snake symbolizes wisdom, renewal, transformation, and strategic growth. Also, it is time to let go of old patterns and embrace thoughtful change.
Let’s first look at wisdom, renewal, transformation, and strategic growth. Wisdom is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Having a little common sense mixed together should be added to this definition.
Renewal is defined as an instance of resuming an activity or state after an interruption. My wish is many would look at this word before stating their opinions on Facebook which has become a gossip session for many.
Third in line for 2025 was transformation. Again, searching for the definition of transformation, this led me to learn transformation pertains to a dramatic change in form or appearance.
Last, strategic growth was highlighted for 2025. The AI overview states strategic growth is the intentional, planned expansion of a business to achieve sustainable success involving deliberate initiatives. Good luck finding the right strategic growth in your business and venture.
In summary, we all should have applied wisdom, renewal, transformation, and strategic growth to become more understanding in 2025 and let go of old patterns. My question follows. Did any of you do this?
Now, let’s take a look at the year ahead or 2026 which is the year of the Fire Horse. Again, according to the Chinese Zodiac, the Fire Horse symbolizes energy, freedom, passion, and bold action.
Energy is defined as strength and vitality required for sustained physical and mental activity. Freedom means the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Passion is an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. Last but not least for 2026, bold action is taking some kind of risk.
For me, 2025 was a year of continued commitment to my family, friends, and clients. Looking back, I should have worked harder to let go of some old patterns and embraced more thoughtful change. Turning 70 years old in 2025 made me realize that there is more behind me than ahead of me. Thanks to an ole friend for pointing this out to me.
In 2026, I plan to ride my Midway horse more often, to launch a Kentucky musical with some friends, and to film a documentary that tells the history of millstones in Madison County and the formation of the Millstone Park and Millstone Festival.
I would also like to challenge each and every one to be kind with others and to show a little compassion while learning to agree to disagree with each other.
Happy New Year! Cheers and salute to all!
