What Works: Dealing with Seeing Your Shadow

This morning, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means we are in for six more weeks of winter. While, in Carson City this means hope for a few more powder days in a very powder-light season, the east coast is less than happy by the news. Ultimately, it’s about one thing — perspective.

Our circumstances provide a framework for how we see the world, but so does our mindset about those circumstances. Changing business needs can be seen as chaotic, or opportunities for renewal. An unexpected expense can be seen as financially paralyzing or a call for low cost creativity. A failed friendship can be seen as a loss or a wake-up call that the friendship didn’t serve you in the first place. In other words, you can run from your shadow or you can sniff it, dance with it, embrace it, and maybe even learn from it.

Mercury is in retrograde right now, which is also known as a shadow period. Here’s what is happening in the sky right now. Three, sometimes four, times a year, Mercury passes Earth in orbit. As it goes around, Mercury slows down and there’s an optical illusion as the two planets pass that Mercury is spinning backwards. Those who believe in astrology believe it messes with things: electronics, vehicles, communications, contracts, and relationships.

The lesson from Mercury in retrograde is a good one for any time of the year. Embrace the chaos. In chaos, lies the opportunity for change, closure, and renewal.

Mind Body Green has a good list of how to survive during this time (or really any time of year) when things feel just “off.”

DO …
1. Review all contracts and legal documents before signing.
2. Pause and breathe before speaking and repeat yourself if necessary!
3. Read all emails and documents before you send.
4. Insure/track important mail and packages, since Mercury rules the postal system.
5. Get your vehicles (or bikes) tuned up and be sure to pack an emergency roadside kit.
6. Leave early for any travel and appointments, since Mercury can delay flights.
7. Renew your commitments instead of making new ones.
8. Focus on the prefix, re — which means to go backward — and renew, review, revamp, redecorate, et al.
9. Plan reunions with old friends and loved ones, but prepare for possible mishaps!
10. Expect to hear from/run into people from your past at the weirdest moments.
11. Get sentimental. Reconnect with your roots and walk down memory lane.
12. Practice forgiveness. Finish processing what's unresolved so you can let it go.
13. Confirm all dates, plans, meetings and appointments.
14. Think of the retrograde as a quarterly review period, a chance to pause and finish what you've started during that timeframe.
15. Back up your digital data (photos, contact lists and files)
16: If buying a new car or gadget, do get warranties.

DON'T …
1. Sign contracts without a thorough review. Delay until Mercury turns direct if you can.
2. Fly off the handle or jump to conclusions if someone misunderstands you.
3. Run into the arms/bed of an ex without careful screening (Mercury reunions aren't always meant to last).
4. Shoot the messenger if someone from your past comes around.
5. Put anything sketchy into an email or text (you could hit "Reply All" or send to the wrong person!).
6. Leave late for flights or appointments.
7. Start anything new before finishing what's next on the to-do list.
8. Lead people on, give mixed messages, or believe everything you hear (actions speak louder than words).
9. Spread rumors, rant on social media or share unconfirmed information.
10. Turn in sloppy or unchecked work, cut corners, or dash off hasty communications. Inspect to protect!

Do you believe in Mercury retrograde (the shadow period)? Do you think there will be six more weeks of winter? How do these things affect you today? The floor is yours, Carson City.

ABOUT DIANE HANSEN
Diane Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, a coaching firm that has helped people worldwide with their businesses, careers, mindsets, and profit margins. She brings to Carson City more than 17 years of experience with a wide array of clients, ranging from top corporations, motivated entrepreneurs and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, on Carson Now.