Make like a snake...

So I don't buy into astrology completely but I do think that there is some merit to it. I don't live my life based on it or anything nearly that ridiculous but I do read my horoscope in a couple of places just for kicks on occasion.  Rob Brezny (freewillstrology.com) has a tendency to freak me out on the regular.  This particular time I'm not creeped out, but I do think that perhaps this is some advice that I should follow.  He, however, should have included an instruction manual for us over-thinkers (as most of us tend to be) for how to decipher which ideas don't serve you anymore, etc.:


"Shedding is healthy -- not just for cats and dogs and other animals but also for us humans. Did you know that you shed thousands of particles of dead skin every hour? And just as our bodies need to shed, so do our psyches. I bring this up, Virgo, because you are in an unusually favorable phase to do a whole lot of psychic shedding. What should you shed exactly? How about some of these: old ideas that don't serve you any more, habits that undermine your ability to pursue your dreams, compulsions that are at odds with your noble intentions, resentment against people who did you wrong a long, long time ago, and anything else you carry with you that keeps you from being fully alive and radiant. To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, the price of freedom and aliveness is eternal shedding."

I think I'll start with these...the idea that my history is who I am, although it has a nagging tendency to predict things that happen in the future. That I must always analyze what fault of mine played a part in every failure or lesson learned. That blood is thicker than water.  That forgiveness is always possible and virtuous- sometimes distance is better.  One thing that I've been lucky to shed lately are some of the resentments.  Baggage that was always sitting at the back of my mind.  I would be lying if I said that I still didn't have a couple that I'm not ready to let go of, but the Universe has been pretty good to me lately.  Maybe not the apologies I was looking for, but the acknowledgement that some harm had been done is enough for me and I respect those that were able to give it.  Habits...let's go with smoking for the umpteenth time.  Oh. And while we're at it, let's add self-deprecation to the list.  I have some things to get rid of, for sure.  I think I'll start with the easy things like the closets first and work my way outwards.  Why wait for Spring?

Since I'm getting rid of things though, I think it's best to replace these things with something slightly more positive.  But let's face it- I'll never be an grinning optimist.  How about optimism with a little realism thrown in?  Any suggestions?  Things you tell yourself that have made a positive change in your life?  

sidenote:  No "think positive" allowed.  Deeper, please.  I'm beginning to think I'm talking to the walls here.