Tigers!

Today marks the dawn of a new year on the Chinese calendar - year 4708- the Tiger. Tigers are known for passion, optimism, courage, strength, bravery, and beauty. In Chinese astrology, tiger years can be full of change, new beginnings and sometimes upheaval and challenge- of course those with tiger attributes can thrive.

The image that keeps coming to mind is similarity between this vision and the house full of tigers I had here on Saturday night. We celebrated Lily's 11th birthday with bumper cars, arcade games, laser tag and then a slumber party. These seven tigers were 5th grade girls - 11 and 10 year olds on the verge of massive change in their lives. Changes are beginning in this 5th grade group but nothing dramatic enough yet to edge out their fabulous characteristics.

Girls this age are strong, unafraid to be who they are, ready for new adventures, fun, hopeful, smart, creative and still willing to express an honest opinion. They are more defined by their own thoughts, wants, intellect and challenges than others opinions of them. It is cool to be smart or atheletic. It is not cool to be less than yourself. Hormones, peer pressure, self image woes and competition have yet to mask these fabulous traits and glorious individuality.

I am fully aware that change is coming, they however, do not grasp the full depth with which their lives will be transformed in the coming years. I hope and pray that these amazing girls are able to keep their tiger spirit through the changes.
Once that spirit fades so you can fit in, not make waves, be a "team player" and meet others expectations and needs- it can take years to get it back. For some of us, that tiger spirit does not return until age 40 or so when we really stop caring, once again, what others think of us and how we live our lives.

For now, I will enjoy being around these spirited young girls and remember that fearless moment in time. Maybe some of it will rub off on me!