Every year on New Year’s Day, I set my intentions for the upcoming year. Last year I decided that 2013 was the year of embracing my power. I wasn’t entirely sure back then why I was selecting this label. I only knew that it felt right.

I’m not sure I fully achieved my goal, but I definitely made progress. A year ago I wouldn’t have written this statement: I am a dragon. But today I can.

I guess I should explain. As Michael 2.0 recently pointed out, I’m a triple dragon: I was born in the year of the dragon, I’m an Aries which is a fire sign, and according to newstrology (a modern take on the Meyers-Briggs personality test), I’m also a dragon—an INTJ. That’s a lot of dragon-ness for one middle-aged woman.

Plus, I seem to have acquired a nickname. Two years ago a person I’ve never met saw my photo on a flyer for an advocacy workshop I was giving and told my friend, “Oh, I know her. That’s the dragon lady. She fights the school district and never gives up.”

My friend thought this was terrific. I, on the other hand, was horrified. Who wants to be known as a dragon?

Another friend laughed and told me I needed to research dragons. So I did. I was surprised by what I found.

The dragon, it turns out, is one of the most powerful mythical creatures, representing strength, courage, fortitude, wisdom, and longevity. The dragon serves as a guardian and protector because it can take many forms and be victorious in any circumstance. Dragons are messengers of balance and magic—encouraging us to see the world through eyes of mystery and wonder. Dragons are also the embodiment of primordial power—the ultimate ruler of all the elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind.

Dragons are both creators and destroyers, giving and taking life. European dragons have wings, allowing them to soar freely, resulting in a perspective that encompasses a huge panorama. Therefore, dragons symbolize the ability to see the “big picture” as well as into the future. Oriental dragons are associated with wisdom and longevity and usually possess some form of magic or supernatural power. They are often associated with water.

This is some amazing, juicy stuff. But even armed with this definition, I had trouble accepting my dragon nature. No one is ever scared of a writer, but an attorney/dragon is a different story. Still, I longed to embrace the truth of who I am. So as part of my goal setting and planning this past week, I created my own dragon manifesto.

I am a triple dragon. I’m a guardian, a protector. I do not defend a lair of gold and jewels but rather the underdog, the disabled, and things that cannot speak. I am their voice, their mouthpiece, their ever-watchful eye. I keep them safe. I bring them hope and peace and serenity. I’m their light in the dark. I lead them home.

This is who I am. I am fierce and beautiful, calm and passionate. I can be gentle and peaceful for long stretches but I breathe fire when provoked, breathe fire to defend the weak. I am powerful beyond measure. I am a dragon

This is what I was born to be. There is no shame in that. Rather this is my gift to the world.

I am a dragon. I am a dragon. I am a dragon.

Until next time,
Cynthia Patton