by Unju

As you might have figured out by my picture, I'm Asian. To be exact, I'm Korean. I was born in South Korea and moved to the US when I was 4 years old. I've never been a very 'asian-y' Asian, but I'm facinated by some of the traditions; in particular New Year's celebrations. I'd like to talk about how we can apply their traditions to our lives!

Asian New Year is on January 23rd this year. For Asian culture it is a time of renewal, like a rest button for your entire life. Houses are cleaned throughout and painted to symbolize a new home for New Year's. Personal disputes are settled to allow a refreshed friendship. Debts are repaid or forgiven so that finances are balanced and 'new'. Some Asians even ignore their birthday and consider the New Year their 'rebirth' day- a whole new person for the New Year.

This is the Year Of The Dragon. Dragons are considered positive and powerful in Asian culture, not monsters as in the West. They are strong, ambitious, and confident without becoming showy. They are also very generous. This boldness and energy, however, runs the risk of creating weariness and isolation, if taken too far.

What can you apply to your life?

--First we can take the time until the 23rd to 'set things straight'. Organize your finances. Clean out the old clutter from your home/life. Reach out to people you're isolated from.
--Next we can resolve to be dragons this year. Be bold, ambitious, and aggressively generous. Along the way, we'll be sure to take care of ourselves to avoid 'burnout'.

Time is short before the 23rd. Start now and you can create a Happy New Year; no matter what your culture.