Ignite Your Light

How to Prepare for the Year of the Fire Horse Without Burnout

Happy February!

It is a small but mighty month, packed with a ton of celebration for the upcoming Lunar New Year. I say it every single year like clockwork, but I love having this second chance to start the new year fresh.

This year, we are saying goodbye to the Year of the Snake, letting go or shedding what didn't work for us in 2025, and welcoming a galloping, glowing Year of the Fire Horse!

Just the name brings images of energy, warmth, passion, and action. But fire can also burn out if we aren't careful.

If you’ve been with me for a while, you’ll know that’s why I have focused on what I call the "Lunar Light Up."

The idea first came up during the COVID pandemic. It was a fun, full online program that took a lot of planning, time, and energy to create.

Anna and I worked non-stop. We spent so many late nights designing over a week’s worth of newsletters, health tips, and recipes, while I also practiced, filmed, and edited Zumba classes and dance skill videos. We wanted so badly to help others keep their light shining during the holiday, especially those darker pandemic days when so many couldn’t celebrate with loved ones.

But the irony? I forgot to tend to my own energy.

By the time the holiday was over and I had to resume my regular teaching work, I was completely worn out. I had burned the candle at both ends trying to make sure that others were feeling lit up.

I learned a lesson that year: You cannot be the light in the room if you have burned yourself out.

So this year, especially with the intense energy of the Fire Horse approaching, I am doing it differently. I am embracing an attitude of more ease.

I am keeping things simple this year, offering a simpler online class option for those who want to dance with me during the holiday, without the pressure of perfection. (Keep dancing during Lunar New Year with me here!)

I want to enter this new year feeling light, warm, and energized rather than frazzled.

So, let's use this week to Ignite Our Inner Light (and protect it).

Think of this week as gathering the fuel or kindling for your energy. We want to fill up on the things that will help us burn bright for the whole month. I’m personally looking at these areas:

• Rest: Getting in a bit of extra sleep now before the late nights of celebrating begin.

• Movement + Stress Management: Shaking off stress on the dance floor while I can now (Note: No classes 2/15-2/24) and relaxing with stretching at the end of the day.

• Nourishment: Focusing on nutritious foods and more water now to boost immunity and energy levels.

  
  

What ways can you start to ignite your light for the holiday season this week?

Come join me in class to shake off the stress and stoke that inner fire!

Keep moving!

xx,

Katie