|
Greetings!
Welcome to the February/March 2012 issue of my coaching newsletter and "Kung Hei Fat Choy" (Happy Chinese New Year) to you!
Some of you already know that my heritage is Chinese and English. I was brought up in Hong Kong and Chinese traditions and beliefs play a big part in my life.
As we have just entered the auspicious Year of the Water Dragon let's have a quick look at the Oriental expectations for the coming year.
The Year of the Water Dragon purportedly brings strength, power and a link to the divine for all. Two weeks of celebrations kicked off in Asian communities from January 23rd 2012 with the traditional dance of the lion and dragon and the colourful display of fire crackers. This, combined with the enthusiastic banging of drums and cymbals, is to ward off evil spirits in order to make way for good fortune in the coming year.
The Year of the Water Dragon occurs once every 60 years and is expected to bring success and happiness to all, especially to those born this year and those born in the last Year of the Water Dragon, 1952.
The Chinese believe strongly in Feng Shiu. Feng means wind and Shui means water. Wind and water are considered omens of good health, which explains why the Year of the Water Dragon has such high expectations. However, due to recent turbulent times economically and also ecologically, the Water Dragon presents some uncertainty for future predictions of prosperity.
1952 was the last Year of the Water Dragon and boasted a number of extraordinary moments in history including the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the first successful separation of Siamese twins in Ohio, the development of the first contraceptive pill, Dr. Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine, the U.S. detonated the world's first hydrogen bomb and the transistor radio was invented. What will be in store for us in 2012?
Some popular dragon personalities are Colin Farrell, Isabella Rossellini, Jeffrey Archer, Count Basie, James Coburn, Bing Crosby, Neil Diamond, Placido Domingo, Kirk Douglas, Matt Dillon, Michael Douglas, Tom Jones, Marlene Dietrich, John Lennon, Al Pacino, Elaine Paige and Shirley Temple. My husband and brother are also Water Dragons - I look forward to an interesting year!
Already this Water Dragon year has started for me with a large number of client enquiries and new clients wishing to take ownership of their careers and make a fresh start (I wonder if it's because of their Western New Year's Resolutions or the high expectations of the Year of the Water Dragon?) With that in mind, this newsletter focuses on one important aspect of career management, a key requirement of a successful job search - effective networking.
A Herculean feat will be made for Amnesty International this year by an ex-colleague of mine, Tony Wright and his family. In August 2012 they will attempt to climb Mt Kilimanjaro (nearly 6000m) to raise $40,000 and awareness for the work of Amnesty International. More in my post below.
Be inspired to live a life filled with meaning and clear direction. Feel empowered to achieve your personal and professional goals. If you are at a cross road in your life regarding your career, relationships or personal direction here is where you may find the answer. Enjoy!
| 
