Some days become anniversaries of the heart and today is one of those for me. It was 25 years ago I signed the legal documents to purchase my home as a single woman even though I had gone through a bankruptcy and was on disability. Hence, this day holds VERY special energy and memories for me.

On Groundhog Day, peek out of the hole in which you are living to see the beauty the world has to offer you.

On Groundhog Day, peek out of the hole in which you are living to see the beauty the world has to offer you.

Do you remember the movie “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray? Do you sometimes feel you are stuck in the same pattern everyday – and often have the negative attitude towards life that Bill had? Wonder if you can get out of the rut, accomplish the things you desire to achieve, have a positive attitude surrounded by people with whom you enjoy spending time and having a contented life? Here are a few thoughts for you to consider around the symbology of the story behind Groundhog Day and the movie with Bill Murray.

There’s this whole thing about the sun and shadow I’d like to explore.

You hear about the “shadow side” we have – a side we either don’t realize we have or a side of us that is supposed to be bad. For the sack of this post, let’s say the shadow side is a part of us we don’t acknowledge.

I, for one, found I was a very strong woman 25 years ago when I stepped into the fear of purchasing a home when I didn’t even have a job, much less any money saved. I had never been fully responsible for earning money for food, clothing and shelter. This was a huge leap of faith to undertake. So in a way, I was the groundhog in his hole afraid of his own shadow. Poking my head out I must have seen both the shadow and the light – deciding to move forward toward a brighter future. It worked! I’m still in the house I was able to purchase almost 25 years ago.

The “shadow” in this parable also is the symbol of winter – the dark night of the soul. Sometimes when we see that side of ourselves, we want to hide. We go back into our shell for another 6 weeks (or whatever amount of time it takes for us to come out from hiding.) Sometimes we need help to get of this shell. Sometimes time is all that is needed.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year - the Year of the Sheep or Goat - 2015!

Celebrate the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Sheep or Goat – 2015!

One thing for sure, we need to leave the baggage of the old “shadow” behind so we can move forward and enjoy the sunny days ahead. We have beauty within us. We can spread our wings to fly.

I’m seeing this particular Groundhog Day is extremely important for us to take advantage of “leaving the old shadow and baggage behind” since we have a fabulous Chinese New Year about to arrive on February 19. It is the Year of the Sheep (I prefer sheep to goat or ram).

Sheep are critters who can navigate the rock cliffs as well as graze in the fields. But the only way they can easily traverse the mountainous trails is to be unencumbered with “stuff!”

Sheep are very contented animals as they graze the pastures. We can claim the contented energy of this New Year by releasing old beliefs and other detrimental-to-us energy. As you go through the day, think about the old, limiting beliefs or old ways of doing things that no longer serve you.

Just like this groundhog, we have a beauty behind us if only we spread our feathers to let them show brilliantly in the sun, over-shadowing our "shadow" side.

Just like this groundhog, we have a beauty behind us if only we spread our feathers to let them show brilliantly in the sun, over-shadowing our “shadow” side.

That’s what the groundhog did when he saw his shadow. He went back into his hole for 6 more weeks of contemplation only to come out to view and enjoy sunny days of Spring.

If you can “see the shadow side” of this energy, direct your focus inward for the next few weeks. Heal the hurts. Discard the damaged. Bring out your brilliance! The sun is shinning brightly all year long during the year of the Sheep!