Courage

When things do not go smoothly, is it an easier option to turn to superstition, astrology or every other spiritual means to get through that bumpy road? People pray to God, look at the stars, engage a Fengshui master or consult a fortune teller to explain, predict and seek guidance on their current and next move.

These days, I find myself reading the papers every night. I flip through the news with an indifference until I reach the page that I am looking for. At a corner of the page shows the 12 Chinese zodiacs. I zoom in to mine - read and re-read just to be sure. This routine, I diligently follow every day.

And the next day, I give credence to the accuracy of the 'prediction'. Every littlest thing that remotely re-enacts what my zodiac reading said, I accept it with an understanding and less grudge; or more honestly, with a loserly spirit - which I call 'resignation to fate'. But of course, this only applies to those things bad. If something good that was supposed to happen did not materialise, I go 'that's too bad, maybe next time'. Strangely, I do not discredit the reading immediately.

Has this got something to do with our nature to find answers? Or simply, we shun the unknown? We want to know what's in store for us tomorrow so we would not make a blunder. And we want an explanation for whatever bad that has occurred. Needless to say about all good things that happened - no one needs a reason for that. We simply take it for granted.

Maybe what I need is not some astrological reading or fortune teller's prediction. What I need is courage. Courage to make that first move. Courage to own up to the consequences of my actions or non-actions. And courage to face the unknown.