For the record, I don't believe in horoscopes. But at Chinese New Year, the picture of the year's Chinese horoscope is all one seems to see everywhere.

This year, it is the Tiger; to be exact, the Metal Tiger (the characteristics of every animal on the horoscope are tempered by the elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth).

Tigers do not find worth in power or money. They will be completely honest about how they feel and expect the same of you. On the other hand, they seek approval from peers and family. Generally, because of their charming personalities Tigers are well liked. Often, failing at a given task or being unproductive in his personal or professional life can cause a Tiger to experience a depression. Criticism from loved ones can also generate this type of Tiger reaction. Still, like all felines, Tigers always land on their feet, ready for their next act in life, pursuing it with unyielding energy and hunting it infallibly.

The Metal element gives the Tiger its sharpness in action and speed of thought. Tigers born in the Metal year like to stand out in a crowd. With an inspiring assertiveness and competitive demeanor, they determine their goals and then do anything necessary to achieve them.

Every personality, if one notices, has its strengths and devastating pitfalls. Every human characteristic is both a potential virtue for success and a weakness for failure. The two are often just both sides of the same coin.

One must choose carefully how one employs the powers imbued into his potentials. But even so, failure is only to be expected as part of life's many occasions, whether one is a Tiger, a Dragon, a Monkey, a Snake, a Pig, or some other "animal". The greatest virtue is not success, but rather, the ability to stand up again in the face of failure, shame, humiliation, and pain.

An inspiring song to remind my heart...