The Complete Idiot's Guide to 2012 - Dr. Synthia Andrews Nd [122]
Changes in Goals, Interests, and Careers
Your new sense of self and new awareness will most certainly change your interests. You might find goals you have held for a long time no longer matter. New goals and interests may become more exciting and intriguing. Don’t hesitate—jump right in to the areas you’re fascinated with. Take the trip to Peru you’re being drawn to; learn about herbs and energy healing. Follow where the energy leads. What does this mean? In every decision, ask yourself this: does thinking about this give you energy or take it away? When you think of it, do you feel energized and motivated? Or do you feel tired, depleted, or drained? Consider each decision as a net sum balance. In other words, is the energy you get more than the energy you will need to expend?
This is a great time of excitement and expansion, but you do need to be cautious. Some people get so excited they make decisions that don’t serve them well. For example, a client of Synthia’s had been in a job for 20 years. She was set to retire with a good pension and benefits within two years. She was so excited about her new path and interests she wanted to immediately leave her job. When looking at her situation in the short term, quitting her job certainly brought her more energy. But when she imagined life without an income, she suddenly felt drained. Instead of rashly leaving, she worked out a deal with the company where she took a cut in hours and pay. This allowed her to keep her pension and have the time and freedom she wanted to pursue her new goals without going bankrupt.
Relationship Stress
Whenever one person changes, it puts stress on the relationship. Even positive change does this. For example, when one spouse loses a lot of weight, it makes him feel great but it might make his partner insecure, bringing all sorts of strange new stress to the relationship.
Partnership stress can be a great opportunity to explore some of the attitudes and beliefs within the partnership and allow a real opportunity for growth. On the other hand, your partner might not want to grow. She might be comfortable where she is. You may have to face what this means to you. There are no easy answers, and only you know what’s best for you.
With luck, you and your partner might discover new territory together. Even so, renegotiating roles and rules with changing identities might not be so easy! The most important tool you have is communication. Here’s a tip: when you communicate about an issue, be on the same side. Couples often take sides over an issue; putting the issue in the middle and themselves at odds with each other over it. Try instead to take sides against an issue; put yourself and your partner on the same side against the offending item. This little shift in perspective can save you lots of unnecessary tears.
The final tip when experiencing relationship stress: don’t rule out miracles. Your partner might not respect your new ideas and direction in life. This may be causing great unhappiness. Then out of the blue your partner wants to go to a yoga class, or read one of your books. Just remember, synchronicity is happening in his or her life, too, and many things might bring your experiences together. All things are possible; don’t rule anything out.
Encountering Anger and Resentment
We’ve said a hundred times that change isn’t easy. It’s harder for some than others. As 2012 approaches and new energies come in, not everyone will be able to adjust easily. People who are deeply invested mentally and emotionally in the structures of the old age will have the hardest time. You may know some of these people; they may be family members, co-workers, or spouses. Unfortunately, you may take the brunt of their stress.
If people are overreacting to the changes in your life, the new ideas you’re expressing, or shifts in your behavior, don’t take it personally. Anger and