Jessica Felt
September 7th, 1999
RLA

 

The Chinese Horoscope
 
"Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your
character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what
others think you are." John Wooden
 
You are born with wonderful characteristics, and the only way to know
who you really are is to become aware and use those traits. The Chinese
horoscope is a way to discover many of your qualities you haven't
realized you possess. Even if you are one who does not believe in the Chinese
legend and horoscope, you will still find some, if not many, attributes that
apply to you. Some of the skills that the tiger has, I don't usually find
myself having naturally. Nevertheless, it astonished me to see just how many
traits I have that are in the tiger's personality.

The tiger and I share some of the same qualities. Just like a tiger, I
am reckless and I have bundles of energy. Everyone is always amazed at how
I can keep moving and be happy and alert almost all the time. Partying
all evening is something I do best! Dancing and going crazy is always
included in the partying. Despite my usual upbeat cheerfulness, I can feel
dejected at times, and the best medicine for my hurting is friends or family
listening to my sorrow, and not pointing out any facts that are against
my case. For example, when my Grandfather died all I needed was for
someone to tell me it'll be okay, and just listen to my thoughts. In another
situation I became angered at my friend, because she sided with this girl that I
was unhappy with. On the other hand, being an old romantic is also
tiger-like. I absolutely adore flowers! After Valentine's Day, I received a rose
from a really good friend, and I was really touched. Sweetheart or not, I
always love a thoughtful gift. All that matters is that they wanted to show
that they think I'm special. I fall for it hook, line and sinker.

Obviously, some traits of the tiger are not very much like me. I'm not
usually rash about things. When something hurts me, or something I
disagree with takes place, I usually try and give others the benefit of the
doubt until I can confront the problem. Complimented that I am thoughtful and
compassionate, these traits usually don't belong to a rash person.
Also, only when I am feeling very comfortable with the people around me, am I
a chatterbox. I have often been mistaken for quiet and shy. Another trait
that I clash with is that tigers cannot help others when they are
troubled. I have been one who people rely on to come and talk to me about their
problems. Even when I am stressed or sad, I think I have been there to
help others. One way I know that is because I was chosen to be part of a
peer support group, to help people with problem solving. In part of my
training I had to pass the test of not letting personal feelings get in the way
of helping others.
 
Changing some of my habits is something I need to work on. One habit I
would like to change is that I am quarrelsome when jealous. I like to
have one very close friend who'll always want to be with me. I feel a bit
jealous when a close friend spends a lot of time with another friend as
well. I want to be more of a person who has a lot of different friends,
and can get along with others who don't spend as much time with me. Another
problem I want to get rid of is keeping emotions under the hat.
Sometimes when I get really worked up, and very, very angry I spit out a few
words that I live to regret. At a camp, I was so angry with this one girl
that I yelled something that deeply hurt her. From then on, we were not
friends whatsoever. I've always wanted to feel comfortable around others that I
don't know very well. I'm glad that it is a personality trait that I
can achieve. When I'm new I'm quiet until I get to know everybody, and
sometimes the people who first accepted me are not as accepting when
they realize my true personality. That is why I've wanted to act like
myself, so I can make friends with people who fit my personality as well.

Like I said before, I have many personality traits like the tiger. I
have lots of energy, but when I'm unhappy that same energy goes into feeling
dejected. Along with the wild and crazy nature, I have a romantic
streak that absolutely adores roses! Rash I'm not, nor am I much of a
chatterbox. I can still help others when I, myself, am feeling depressed. I'd like
to be less quarrelsome, keep my emotions under my hat, and be more
comfortable around others I don't know. All in all I have found the horoscope to be
quite interesting. I'm amazed by the likeness of the tiger to myself.
Now go and find out for yourself whether you are a rat, pig or an ox. Maybe
the traits you aren't so quick to admit that you have can be blamed on the
year you were born!