Are We There Yet? | March Issue

Table of Contents Letter from the Editor Let's Talk About Exams It's Crunch Season: Guide to Mental Health Drinks By Major Let's Talk About OSAP St. Patty's Day: "Kiss Me, I'm Canadian" Summer Playlist 2019 Not Keeping Up With Graduation Expectations MacLaughlin College Sports Fashion 101 March Horoscope Application for MacMedia F/W 2019-2020 Crossword Puzzle

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March Issue. Volume 23 Issue #07 Mclaughlin College, York University Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 macmedia.eic@gmail.com

MacMedia Staff Editor in Chief Business Manager Social Media Manager Layout Designer Features Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Humor Editor Health Editor Sports Editor Staff Writer 1 Staff Writer 2

Nour Almutaa Camila Seclen Kristian Barlaan Jenna Yasi Alyssa Offenheim Kristy Kilburn Abdeali Saherwala Eric Sadhu Saran Dhindsa Tonia Genete Amesha Gray Relina D'Cruz

Letter from the Editor Nour Almutaa

Its officially March Madness! It also happens to be fake spring in the 11 seasons of Canada – bring out the sneakers and the teddy jackets! ALSO, its officially crunch season! So bring out the blue pens, red bulls and the $20 planner you haven’t used all year. Don’t fret though! The MacMedia team have put together a few tips and tricks to bring that D to a C+. "Are we there yet?" is dedicated to all the Yorkies who are pushing through and finally attending the class they haven’t been to since September.

Don’t want to think about school? No problem we got a little fashion look book for all the trendsetters out there! On a sadder note, this is officially the last Mac Media issue of the year. On behalf of the team, we would like to thank you for reading our taboo and relatable articles – We would love to see you during the Mac Formal and hear all about your school year.

Want to write for us from August until March?

Email us your work at macmedia.eic@gmail.com to get scheduled for an interview! We promise we don’t bite.

Check page 22 for more information!

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ay after 30-d y if t o p S e *delet trial*

LETS TALK ABOUT EXAMS KristyKilburn

I know exactly what you are thinking right now. You open up MacMedia on your phone and see endless articles full of summer activities and exciting ways to enjoy your post-exam freedom. Then, you read the title of this article and get hit with the reminder that, yes, exams are still a thing. Don’t skip through this article like you skip through your readings! I can assure you, you’ll want a reminder of how to survive exam season. So let’s get right to the point: Exam season is almost upon us. We’ve had all semester to prepare ourselves, but are we prepared? Probably not. All of us have been there! As a fourth-year student, I have reached a point where I now get excited when exam season comes around. No, not because I enjoy writing them... but because once they are complete, I will feel accomplished and free. It is challenging to remain motivated, but you have survived all year! One more month won’t hurt!

TO DO LIST 1. READ YOUR SYLLABUS!!!

This may seem like common sense, but many of us forget exactly what the professor is asking for. It is crucial that you go over everything mentioned as you never know what may pop up on the exam. Also, those little assignments that are worth nearly nothing are now due.

So do them. They make all the difference at the end of the year when grades are being calculated. It could bump you from a B+ to an A!

2. TALK TO PEOPLE IN YOUR CLASS! We will never know everything and there is always so much more to learn! An extra perspective can do wonders when studying for exams.

For example, if you must write an essay on your final and you only caught half the readings and someone else catches the other ... BAM, when you two talk and you hear each other's ideas, you suddenly Fam , tel have an extra argument for that essay! l s that arch: "Job e S le g o o G rsity ire a unive u q e r 't n o d degree" 4

me supp osed how c lass and w its 2 to end :37. at 2 as :30 the I'm g god dam onna fl ip n de sk!

3. GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME Professors love to make everything due at the same time. If you haven’t had multiple exams in an insanely short timespan, you will soon. Make sure you know exactly when and where your exam is and put it in your calendar. I put it in my phone’s calendar and when I see all the dots pop up, it completely scares me into preparing myself. Preparing yourself will ensure that you do not cram! Success rates with studying in intervals during a longer time span has been scientifically proven better than cramming within a short period of time.

4. PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH Whether it be mental or physical, your health should always be your top priority. While you’re studying, make sure you are snacking on brain food and not that Mr. Noodles ramen package. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take that much needed break. Get some exercise, make a delicious meal, or watch a couple episodes of your favorite TV show (just know when to stop yourself). Too much stress is not healthy and if you think you deserve to take a break, then you do! Increasing your energy levels will reduce the effects of stress.

5. ALTERNATE STUDY SPOTS I cannot be the only one who needs to change up my scenery.

Spending all night in the library or in your room can be immensely draining. Try changing it up. For example, you could review chapters 1-5 at your local coffee shop, 5-10 at the library, and 10-15 in your room! Something so simple can completely improve your attention span and motivation.

YE s FU C K

Ab

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can i leave now?

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IT'S SEASON

By Amesha Gray

In 2016, Ontario’s Universities reported that 47 percent of postsecondary students stated feeling too depressed to function fully. 65 percent of students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety throughout postsecondary education. These statistics are an indication that there is a need for awareness and support for students on campus.

It is close to the end of the semester, and it is crunch season. Crunch season is a time of stress and anxiety and often students forget about their mental health. Mental health equals self-care. What is self-care? According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), self-care means engaging in activities in which you enjoy and makes you feel better. It is all about you, focusing on taking care of you.

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Fuck this shit

A Guide to Mental Health Amesha Gray Try these activities to improve your mental health during crunch season 1) Eat and Sleep Well I know you have heard this over and over again, but it’s true. Eating and sleeping are two of the best things for your body and mental health. Start a routine for yourself.

This means scheduling a bed time and a wake up time at the same time every day even on weekends. I recommend eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals to get your dopamine flowing.

2) Exercise I know your school schedule is busy but taking the time out to go for a walk, going to the gym, or even working out at home are some of the best things you can for your mental health. Exercising does not mean that you need to break a sweat; all you need is 15 minutes of being active.

3) Meditate Yes, I said it. Strike a pose and meditate. There are many benefits to meditation such as reducing stress, anxiety, promoting emotional health, enhancing self-awareness and improving sleep. If you are not able to engage in any form of activity, meditation is a great alternative. But, most importantly, mediation requires relaxation. You can participate in different breathing exercises such as the 4-7-8 breathing exercise if you cannot sit still to meditate.

4) Social Mental health during crunch season is essential and so is having a social life. Take a break from all the worries, stress, and studying, even it means going out for coffee and having nice long conversations with your friends. A strong support system of friends can help you get through some tough and stressful moments. Therefore, use the support system that you have. After all, it does not cost you a thing. Remember, work hard and play hard.

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Saran Dhindsa We’re nearly at the finish line for this term, which means its time for a celebration. So, I’ve curated a list detailing what drink would best suit you based on your major –if you’ve never regretted being a double major, you will now.

Law & Society: Zombie The LASO kids are pretty interesting. I know this because I am one. We’re

- 1 oz dark rum

also filled with complete bullshit. But it’s a field of bullshit that we’re all

- 1 1/2 oz anejo rum

crossing with the same goal in mind: law school. While we wait for our acceptances to trickle in, we are lulled into a false sense of security – although we may be done with York, York isn’t done with us. Down a

- 1 1/2 light rum - 3/4 applejack - 3/4 oz papaya nectar - 3/4 oz pineapple juice

glass, because your pile of work has been creeping up on you, and you’re

- 1 oz lime juice

gonna feel like a zombie when you pull one of several all-nighters this

- 1/2 simple syrup

week.

- 2 oz bourbon

Political Science: Old Fashioned

- 2 dashes Angostura bitters - 1 sugar cube - Club Soda - Ice

The Poli-Sci people I have met at York are some of the most opinionated people I know. I don’t mean it in a bad way, but they really have a lot to say. Their opinions are usually best paired with a glass of bourbon in hand. Not only does this add character, but it also adds

- Orange Peel - Maraschino Cherry

some fuel to the late-night debate that is sure to happen. Fair warning drink it before the ice melts, or else it’ll end up just like the many journal articles you’ve read: watery and horrible to ingest.

Sociology: GIn & Tonic Ah, the sociology clan. I don’t know much about what goes on with you guys, but you don’t seem to give anyone too much trouble –for that, we thank you. The G & T is yours simply because it’s a mixture of two prominent things, that seem to go together. It’s the intersection of gin and tonic, just like your program is the

- 2 oz gin - 4 to 5 oz tonic water

intersection of society and –ology. That was a load of bullshit, but

- Ice

the tonic will clear it right up. Keep up the good work, and drink

- lime wedge

away!

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Engineering: Screwdriver The name just fits. Once you’ve done your last exam/lab, grab

your

mates and hit the nearest pub or liquor store. You, of all the students, - 2 oz vodka

have earned it. The orange juice will help you acclimate to the Sun.

- 3 oz orange juice

You know, the thing you haven’t seen since September. It’s not easy

- Orange Slices

being pioneers and these innovative ideas have to come from

- Ice

somewhere, so why not the result of a weekend-long drinking binge?

Criminology: The Dirty Martini Why? Because evaluating why people commit crimes, why some demographics are policed more than others, and why the criminal justice and reform systems are flawed sucks. The way these systems look on the exterior are analogous to a dry martini. They’re crystal clear and easy to follow –unpolluted and untainted. But you know

- 6 oz vodka

better, because you’ve uncovered some major flaws. You know these

- 1 dash dry vermouth

systems are fucked up. So, you get the dirty martini - what was once clear is now salty, much like you are towards the realities of the

- 1 oz brine from olive jar - Stuffed Olives

world. Like everything in your program, it’s difficult to swallow.

Business : Scotch Highball This needs no explanation. I’ve seen shows and films about ruthless - 2 oz Scotch

business people. Ya’ll are a bunch of fucking capitalist pricks, but you

- 4 oz Club Soda

own up to it and I respect you for that. This drink was made for you,

- Ice

because its usually is made with some expensive scotch (I won’t fault

- Lemon Peel

you for the cheap shit, we’re students). The Scotch Highball is a classic – like capitalism. So drink up, because this is the new you.

English: Margaritas English is weird. Do you have to read several novels? HELL FUCKING YES. But, and lets be real, did you even read them? No. But the

- 3 oz tequila - 2 oz lime juice - 1 oz Simple Syrup - 1/2 tsp orange

research to write the essay makes up for it. Margaritas resemble your degree: on the outside, its fun and colourful, but just like the alcohol in your drink, that workload is going to hit you like a goddamn truck.

liqueuer - 1 tbsp lime/salt/sugar

Teaching/Education: Hard Cider Teaching is hard, but teaching while sober is even harder. Crack open a can of cider and tell the kids its ginger ale. I’d go for something with a hint of fruit, you know, so you can hit all those food groups before noon.

Cider Selection: Rock Creek Peach Cider, Somersby Apple Cider or Tempt Cider No. 9

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Let's Talk About OSAP Abdeali Saherwala Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a savior for all students in Ontario. Whether you hate or love it, OSAP has been instrumental in the education of thousands of students in our province.OSAP has gone through multiple changes due to the shifting power from a liberal to conservative government.

Under Wynne’s Liberal leadership, OSAP went through massive changes, as students whose parents earn $50,000 or less were eligible for free tuition. Students who were out of high school for four years or more were eligible for free tuition if their parents earned $30,000 or less. Furthermore,OSAP funding for “grants” (meaning money that was non-refundable to the government) increased for lower to middle class income families. All of these changes would have cost the Ontario government more than $650 million dollars during its initiation year and later on, would have cost the Ontario government $2 Billion every year.

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...We're Still Talking About OSAP After the 2018 Ontario provincial elections, where the Conservative party won a staggering majority, the Liberals lost most of their seats. After Conservatives were given the power as the majority of the provincial government, they decided to cut tuition by 10% and cut funding for students, whose families make $50,000 or less. Also, Doug Ford has provided the option for students to opt out of student union fees, thus creating a budget cut for student unions as well.

The Conservative Party of Ontario's actions have been mixed because a lot of students will benefit from the tuition cut, if they did not rely on free tuition. However, low income families and their children enrolled in post-secondary education will be affected the most, as they will not receive free tuition. Also, most of those students who benefited from the tuition cut will lose money in “grants,” as grants have been lowered for low to middle class families.

Personally speaking, I am not happy about this New OSAP funding because the “grants” I received before were beneficial to me and even with the tuition cut, I will lose money through loans in my final year than compared to my last three years at York University. Doug Ford has cut provincial funding for universities and student unions directly as well. With the OSAP and provincial funding cuts, universities throughout Ontario will be worse off.

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March is a grand time of the year , whether you're Irish. Or if you're of Irish heritage. Or if you wish you were of Irish heritage. Or when you just claim you're Irish even though you're not. Every year since 1987, Irish and Torontonians have celebrated St.Patrick’s Day with a parade full of colours, costumes, music, floats and much more! Starting at Bloor and St.George and finishing at Nathan Phillips Square, this parade is a great way to celebrate this festivity.

First things first: When is St.Patrick's Day? It falls annually on March 17th, but there is so much more to know about it! It's far more interesting than why we wear green to match a shamrock or the verdant Emerald Isle. There is more to St. Patrick’s Day than leprechauns, green beer, and massive university parties.

In North America, St. Patrick’s Day also called as “St. Paddy’s Day” has become a celebration of being Irish. parades and parties feature head-to-toe green clothing, green leprechaun hats, and of course, there’s a ‘little bit’ of drinking involved. There was a swirl of green, lots of music and plenty of good cheer as thousands of people celebrated all things Irish on Sunday as part of Toronto's annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

It’s the best day to be Irish!

Wishing our student community of McLaughlin College the best of ‘luck’ as we end this school year with a bang!

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19 9 0 1 20 t 2 s lsit y i a Plal yl r eP m r e m Summ Su

By Eric Sadhu

Music is considered to be the only escape everyone can depend on to take them to their own personal paradise. It’s viewed as a main moodsetter, and the ideal outlet to describe the emotions you may be feeling at any given moment. Everybody discovers a new layer to their personality through the musical genres they gravitate to: from R&B, to Rap, to Alternative and Pop. Today, artists are incorporating various musical influences into their repertoire, such as Ariana Grande’s use of electronic influences in her 2015 pop single, “Break Free,” featuring electronic pop artist Zedd. Various artists are also taking similar approaches to create summer anthems, enjoyed by youth and adults alike. Without further ado, the following list is a personal compilation of tracks, covering a wide scope of the musical spectrum, to help you make your 2019 summer the most memorable summer yet!

TRACKLIST

Song: Artist: “No More Sad Songs” Little Mix Ft. Machine Gun Kelly “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” Ariana Grande “I Want It That Way” The Backstreet Boys “Suavemente” Mohombi, Nayer, Pitbull “Say My Name” David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, J Balvin “Pretend" “Pretend” - CNCO “Mi Gente” J Balvin, Willy William “Sunflower” Post Malone, Swae Lee “Te bote” Nio Garcia, Casper Magico, Bad Bunny, Ozuna, Darell, Nicky Jam “Tick Tock” Eugy “Wherever You Go” Karl Wolf “No Sugar-Coated Love” Tape Machines, Jowen “Arms Around You” XXXTENTACION, Maluma, Swae Lee “Reggaeton Iento” Little Mix Ft. CNCO “MIA” Bad Bunny, Drake “I Need Your Love” Shaggy, Mohombi “Do Like That” Korede Bello

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NOT KEEPING UP WITH GRADUATION EXPECTATIONS RELINA

D' CRUZ

If you are in your last year of university, you must be especially excited and very close to the finish line. You’re also in a lot of goddamn debt now, aren’t you?

Everyone’s experiences in university vary, but a question that many previous students receive from peers, professors, parents, siblings and friends is: “So, what’s the plan ahead?” “Are you applying for grad school?” “What career are you going to pursue?” “Are you looking for jobs?”And me? All I want to say to all of them is: “SHUT UP”!

Why do we feel the pressure to conform to society’s expectations of “what to do next?” It’s annoying and – quite honestly – very frustrating! Why must we do what everyone else is doing? People will tell you there is no pressure. Well, everyone sure makes it seem like there is. It’s a lie, because there is a lot of fucking pressure, especially for ones who are graduating. I’m writing this article to tell graduates that you should only do what you want. Don’t go with the flow and do what everyone else your age is doing. They have different goals and different dreams, and it’s okay if you just want to stay home or start your own business or travel.

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It’s your life, so don’t let other people’s actions or steps in their life make you want to change your own, or make you feel like you aren’t doing “enough”. The word “enough” is left for you to define – it’s where you want the line to be drawn, not where everyone wants you to draw it. Don’t you feel like we’ve been “giving in” to everything too often? Freedom is so restrained now. We are told we live in a free country or free world, but our options seem to be getting limited. We’re just following the crowd in every way possible. The pressure to apply to universities. Straight out of high school? Well, what the fuck, Linda, now you’re in the wrong program because you were unsure and felt like you had to do it because everyone else your age was. It’s so damaging.

Mentally.

Physically.

Financially.

I’ve noticed that it’s really about what everyone in our own age group is doing. If you are genuinely convinced that marriage isn’t for you, when you reach that age where everyone else is getting married and posting pictures on Instagram, you might want to as well.

The point is, we’re so malleable. And it’s a problem. We are failing to recognize that we’re all different and don’t want the same things, AND THAT IT IS OKAY. Don’t feel obligated to listen and pursue the career path your parents want for you or the pressure to do what everyone else your age is doing. Do what you want. At the end, we’re the ones living with our decisions and ourselves, so what we want should matter most. We will not be considered any less or any more than the other. What should matter to us, is ourselves. Our happiness. Our future.

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MAC MEDIA SPORTS

by Tonia Genete The year is coming to an end but the motivation and devotion continue with our athletes. Our athletes Lekiesha Norris and Antonio Roach. Congratulations and keep up the hard work and dedication! for the month of February are As some of you know this is our last issue for the year 2018-2019. Don’t let this discourage you, events will continue to run and our amazing gym Dynamacs will still be open so you can get your body ready for summer. Speaking of Dynamacs, Matthew Thompson has the perfect motivational speech for you. I don’t know about you guys but just reading the title makes me want to hit the gym.

HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

by Matthieu Thompson

January’s come and gone. You made a list of resolutions, and I bet fitness and health were somewhere on it. And now we can hear the whispers of the coming summer, so how are those resolutions looking? I have some ideas about motivation that might help. Quick details first: It’s going to take longer than you expect.

You’re going to have to tighten up three things: nutrition, fitness, and sleep.

You’re going to have to start counting macros, which is a skill to learn and practice.

Again, it’s going to take longer than you expect.

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This is what I have discovered: Effort + Time = Results.

Effort without time: that’s working your ass off for a day, a week or a month, and then, back to normal. Small changes, and then back to normal.

Time without effort: well, that’s just life. That’s the same life going on every single day, the life you’re living right now.

Now, consider your first job. You put in, let’s say, minimal effort because that’s all that’s asked of you. For that, you receive minimal return. This makes most people annoyed, frustrated or upset. So, they apply for promotions, knowing full well that it is going to mean more work, more time and more EFFORT. But, it’s worth it because they want a bigger return. More effort for a larger return. So here’s what I’m telling you to do. Fucking PROMOTE YOURSELF. Do it. With fitness, you are your own boss. No one’s going make you show up and work out, no one’s going to make you eat healthily, no one’s going to do it for you. You are your own boss. Give yourself that internal promotion, knowing if you put in hard work, you will get that return. Spend time understanding, not just what your meals are, but what food is, and figure out the numbers that will help you nourish yourself and give you the body YOU want. and fuck everyone else. This is about you, and what you want.

Spend time understanding not just how to lift weights, but how you can use them to precisely transform yourself into the person that you want to be, and then put the work in. And if you want, come work out at Dynamacs ;)

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MARCH 2019

Spring Fashion Look Book 2019

Vol 1 Issue 11

Monthly Newsletter

Inside the Issue

STYLE ON A BUDGET Our newsletter is both styleconscious and budget friendly.

All of the items will help you do some damage in the streets, without damaging the bank.

OVERSIZED PUFFER JACKET Tis the season to throw on an oversized long puffer jacket! Puffer jackets are a statement on their own and throwing on a pair of all white sneakers can do the entire outfit justice. Celebrities are rocking it on carpets, festivals – making it look cozy in as an outer layer..

2019 SPRING FASHION As the Canadian treacherous winter comes to a halt and we turn a new leaf over our fake spring; it is finally time to get rid of the winter coats (for now). Yes exam season is upon as all and I am here to call all the students to retail therapy it.

As your new favourite trends coming this fall; biker shorts, oversized puffer jackets, blazers and more. The Mac Media commands you to get rid of all your basic attire and take a look at all the trendy new looks.

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BLAZER SUITS Jordyn Woods set it right the first time! Wearing an all black outfit with a shimmer blazer paired with a black-cropped tank and Nordstrom biker shorts. Taking business to the next level! You can still be sophisticated and casual no biggie.

NEON HERE, NEON THERE, NEON EVERYWHERE!

ANIMAL PRINTS Yup you heard that right! Animal prints are back from the 90’s and we’re so damn excited! Snakeskin bodysuits and cheetah print dresses are the new trendsetters; pair them with your favourite jeans and throw on some gold-chained belts. You know what they say, “a cheetah cant change their spots” we say embrace ‘em!

CARGO PANTS And last but absolutely not least is our favourite trend of them all. The 90’s styled cargo pants paired with a bikini top or a crop top. Camo cargos or basic cargo are the most stylish attire in the fashion game – with Bella Hadid rocking the 90’s look on the Prabal Gurung runway; you can do the same by walking in style to bomb the end of the year exam!

Have you been seeing everyone wearing colours that can potentially match the colours of your highlighters?

That’s the trend!

Neon green and pink have been taking the fashion world into a storm – celebrities are wearing it everywhere and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

Your friend said to dress casual but you want to do the absolute most?

Throw on a neon green highneck pairing it with faux leather leggings and your favourite printed booties and you’re set to steal someone’s partner!

Always dress like you're going to see your worst enemy.

PASTELS & FLORALS It’s that time of the year when the baby pinks, lavenders and blues all come out to play with your favourite floral print. We all know it gets super hot that one week in May so why not start the “one week summer” with some pretty in pink floral print dresses paired with your favourite flats.

September 2019

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March Horoscope You may feel that the efforts to find balance in a newer relationship have been futile, or so it seems. You are not getting the response or the fair treatment from someone that you believe you deserve. This is not to say you are an unfair person, Aries, but you need to observe the other party and see if perhaps they feel the same way about you. This month, you may have an excellent chance to do just that, and you are more likely to get a productive response. A slate of events that may seem like bad luck may have occurred to you not long ago. This week, what went wrong could turn around completely providing a generous payback for what went wrong, and then some.

Aries

March could begin with you feeling in more of a frightened or superstitious mood than usual, Taurus. This may happen to you occasionally, but it is not something you should have to endure. This month, you need to make it a major goal to overcome this occasional dark outlook and find a way to turn it around into something hopeful, happy, and inspiring.

This month may also be the start of a wonderful new relationship. This may be either platonic or romantic, and it may even be the reigniting of a family relationship that had become estranged. The key to success here will be to steer away from focusing on differences and instead celebrate your common values, common goals, and the general sense

Taurus

of peace and harmony you find in this person's presence.

Someone in your life may be taking their good fortune for granted now, dear Gemini, and you may see this very clearly - far more clearly than they are seeing it themselves. This month, this person may come to you for guidance, but also hoping to receive accolades from you. But you need to tell it like it is if you want this person to succeed. If you can see that this person is creating dissatisfaction in some way with a lucky break, you need to express that. By the end of the month, there may be a feeling building about making a change in your life. Don't rush into anything, but take great care to explore your ideas thoroughly. This could be a great new direction for

Gemini

you.

At the beginning of March, dear Moonchild, you may find yourself wondering how you got so lucky. Something you have been striving for is finally beginning to show signs of great promise. You may be thoroughly thrilled, but at the same time, you may be afraid to believe what is right before your eyes. Skepticism may protect you from the fear of getting hurt, but it might also hide some of the wonderful opportunities that are coming through for you now. Be very open to this. Your lucky break is here, even if you were starting to believe it would never happen. Embrace it fully and lovingly. Be grateful, and don't be afraid to believe in this. This is the real thing.

Love might also be on the horizon for you this month. A chance encounter with either a kindred spirit who is new in your world or the rediscovery of a past love could keep your heart fluttering. This could be a really great thing,

Cancer

and it may even be a lasting connection that will fulfill all the dreams you have had in love.

This month will be a whirlwind in many other ways too. There may be an emotional drama playing out in your personal life that involves a dear friend or family member who is caught up in some sort of complicated endeavor. This person may turn to you for help, and if you say yes - which you are likely to do, given your generous heart - you may find out that it is far more complicated than you anticipated. Stick with it, though, because not only could you help this person out significantly, but there could be something very beneficial for you in this situation too. dear friend or romantic partner could knock you off your feet - but this may actually turn out to be far better than it sounds. It may take a

Leo

while to absorb the fullness of this, but once you do, you will be quite happy to be a part of it.

March may begin with you contemplating a big change in your life. This is something that has been your pattern for quite a long time, Virgo, and this may be a huge decision. This could be anything from a change in a romantic situation to a change of career or really anything that affects your daily life and the way you see yourself in the world. You can see that this change is necessary, yet the thought of it may be frightening and confusing. Don't approach this with fear, though; try to see this as the chance for a bright new beginning even though there may be some periods of adjustment. When you think of this, think of it with hope and gratitude for the good it will bring into your life.

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Virgo

A situation could develop quickly in early March that seems very familiar to you, Libra. You may have gone through this before, and you may have handled it successfully. This might seem like a repeat of the same thing, which could be perplexing, so you might attempt to handle it in the same way. But this could be an entirely new path with entirely new possibilities, so you need to look at it with fresh eyes and a brand-new approach. This is a unique opportunity to take your life in an exciting direction, so be creative and innovative as you create your plan. Â A happy opportunity

Libra

could come into being later in the month with the chance to travel, attend a seminar or some sort of learning experience, or to be able to spend time with someone you have wanted to get to know. This could bring a goal closer because of the people you meet through this unique experience.

As March begins, Scorpio, you may be thinking about taking up a new endeavor. This may seem like it could lead to some really terrific rewards, and it may seem like an easy path. But it may be deceptively easy on the surface, but not so simple in practice. Before you make any commitments this month, you would be wise to explore them fully and even try them out.

You are eager now to go off in a new and exciting direction. Perhaps you are not thrilled with the pace of your life or with the lack of fulfillment and reward. But jumping into something that isn't right for you would only make things worse. As long

Scorpio

as you take care in learning more about certain interests, you can make a choice in March that will benefit you well into the future.

In an effort to deal with a difficult decision recently, you may have narrowed down your choices considerably.

You may have felt that having too many options was creating a state of anxiety and that you could not operate at your best under those conditions. However, it is possible that you eliminated an option that was best for you. It is not too late to go back to the drawing board and start over. A chapter in your life that closed quite some time ago - perhaps one that involved a romantic interest or a close friendship - may suddenly reopen for you again. But this won't be like reading the same chapter of a book again. No, Sagittarius, this time you will notice facets and aspects that you completely overlooked before, making this a

Sagittarius

much more enticing and intriguing situation that is ripe with great possibilities. Do yourself a favor and fully explore this, as there is something here you won't want to miss.

You may be in the midst of forcing yourself to make a decision about something prematurely, Capricorn. You are putting this pressure on yourself, but you may be blaming someone else for it. You may be intimidated by someone else who is involved in this situation, and you are trying to perform up to their standards, even if they have expressed no criticism or disapproval. This month may be marked by highs and lows associated with your job, a business venture, or with a money matter. You like to be able to plan everything down to the fine points, but you probably won't have that level of control here. Relax, and try to adapt to this pace and to the uncertainty that comes with the

Capricorn

situation.

A conflict could develop this month with someone who is jealous of one of your talents or blessings or because you have accomplished something this person can't accomplish. Don't take this personally, even if this is someone you formerly admired. Yes, it may sting, but you are seeing a side of this person that you needed to see; and the information you gather through this experience will be valuable to you at a later time, so store it in your mind. On the other side of the coin, a conflict that has been simmering for some time among family members may be resolved in March, and you may be instrumental in turning things around. Even though it may seem too sticky to

Aquarius

get involved in at first, the annoyance of it and the irritation it is causing an older family member may propel you to jump in, and once you do, you can set things straight by being direct and candid.

You are not arrogant or self-righteous, Pisces, and you probably don't understand people who are that way. However, in March, you may come face to face with someone who is behaving that way, and it may be in a pretty volatile situation. You will have to deal with this person successfully to pull off a big goal, but you can do it. The key will be to understand what makes this person tick, and that will be your mission. Given your clever insight and your own emotional depth, you can find a way to connect with this person on a soul level and come to an understanding. Late in the month an old friend - perhaps from as far back as childhood - may pop up in your life again in a significant way. This person may want or need something from you, and even though the individual has not been there for you when it counted in the recent past, you may choose to be generous and provide what they need. But leopards can't change their spots, so don't have high expectations for reciprocal

Pisces

behaviour.

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