Today is My Anniversary
Five years ago, I learned I was adopted at birth.
Most people learn this at a very young age. I was 57. This DNA discovery triggered a wide range of emotions, from shock to disbelief, to grief and loss. As a consequence, I was filled me with an urgent need to unearth my origin story and the reason behind the secrecy. Eventually this led me to write my memoir, Junkyard Girl. The revelation also helped me uncover an inner dragon-like resilience I didn’t expect to find so late in life.
February 10, 2024 marks the first day of the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac, a 12-year cycle that links each year to an animal sign. You don’t have to be born in the Year of the Dragon to feel the impact of this creature’s qualities. You just have to be willing to embrace them.
7 Qualities that Will Improve Your Life During the Year of the Dragon
1. Inspiration and Motivation: The dragon’s fiery nature can galvanize us to pursue our dreams with greater gusto. What’s one item on your bucket list the dragon can inspire you to reach for?
2. Creativity and innovation: Dragons encourage people to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. Take a moment to tap into your inner dragon and find your unique idea.
3. Increased Enthusiasm and Optimism: Looking for a more positive outlook on life? The dragon’s dynamic energy can help steer us towards and help us see a more encouraging future.
4. Adventure and Exploration: If you need to step out of your comfort zone, explore fresh places, or embark on new experiences, take time this year to embrace the intrepid nature of the dragon within.
5. Challenges and Growth: The dragon is an auspicious sign, but life always brings tests. Still, these challenges can foster resilience, adaptability, and strength. And, who doesn’t want more of that?
6. Philanthropy and Community Involvement: The giving nature of the dragon encourages us to give back to our community and support causes that are important to us. Now, more than ever, animal shelters and rescue organizations need volunteers and foster homes for our animal friends. If you are looking for a cause to get behind, please start here.
7. Self-reflection and Personal Development: With the transformative power of the dragon beside us, this is an opportune time to work on our personal growth. If you’re ready to break free from a limiting belief, bad habit, or behavior that no longer serves you, 2024 is the year!
Dogs and Dragons
My DNA surprise was pretty life-shattering, but I didn’t heal in a bubble. My amazing family, a husband who seems to love me more as time goes by, and the support of great friends sustained me while I treaded the choppy waters of reforming my identity. And let’s not forget Grace, who was suffering her own trauma after living in a hoarding situation and surviving a mountain lion attack. Grace and I embarked on our healing journey together. One day at a time, one breath at a time.
The Year of the Dragon can be a positive and motivational way to approach life’s opportunities and challenges, but our animal companions can do this for us throughout their entire lives. Getting us out on our daily walks, bringing laughter and joy, and comforting us when we are feeling our lowest—this is powerful medicine and absolutely free for the price of your love.
Dragons and dogs may not have any DNA in common. But one thing they do share–both are magical creatures.
Stay Healthy & Stay Pawsitive,
Carlyn MDO 💜
P.S: I’d love to hear how the qualities of the dragon resonate with you. Please share your story of resilience, challenges, or how a furry friend has guided you through tough times in the comments below. Your experiences are the threads that weave our community together, and who knows—your story might just be the spark someone else needs to discover their own inner dragon. Let’s inspire each other!
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