It seems easier to continue business as usual than to deviate from the norm. That's why, when a reality check comes your way, it can be tempting to reject it, stick your fingers in your ears, and wish it away. If this is your go-to reaction, it helps to remember that reality checks and wake-up calls don't have to be negative. In fact, they're often just what you need to hear in order to break a bad habit or get out of a rut.
According to horoscope and astrology expert Evan Nathaniel Grim, the warning bells you need to hear are likely stemming from unevolved traits associated with your sign. "Every zodiac sign has innate strengths and areas for improvement," he tells Bustle, so you can start there.
Your strengths, he says, are your evolved traits, while your pesky weaknesses, bad habits, and knee-jerk reactions are examples of your "unevolved" traits. Think of Capricorns, they are naturally organized and hard-working, but can be a bit rigid. Or a Scorpio, who is intuitive, empathetic, but also a bit dramatic.
This is where your reality check comes in. Once you know what it is and become more self-aware, it will be easier for you to spot your negative traits when they surface, and you can also take steps to make some changes and adjustments so these bad habits don't will last. You will be frustrated in the days to come.
Read on for the reality checks every sign needs to hear, according to astrologers.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Aries, your reality check comes from a desperate need to compromise and work better with others. Although you thrive on your own, you must learn how to get along with others, especially when you're feeling drained.
According to Grimm, you are a natural leader, but you often try to do everything yourself, both at work and in life. You may think you're going to die, but you usually only feel that way because you're so tired.
"By realizing they don't have all the answers, Aries can get more done in coordination with others while still demonstrating impressive leadership skills."
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
As an earth sign ruled by Venus, Taurus can easily have an unrealistic view of life, says Grimm. It's not uncommon to go through your day oblivious to what's going on around you, and sometimes others may even wonder if you're listening to them.
"There's nothing wrong with enjoying the beauty of the natural world," he says, but it's also common for Taurus to adhere to that view so rigidly that they lose touch with reality.
To feel more grounded, he recommends delving into the nature of life—or at least acknowledging that it exists. "That way, they can gain a more complete understanding of the world."
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
It's nearly impossible to make a decision, Gemini, and you know it. When you need to make a choice, instead of immediately calling your mom or best friend, stop and try to make it yourself.
"Gemini likes ambiguity and open-mindedness, but this can also distract their thoughts and lead to analysis paralysis," says Grimm. The more you listen to both sides of your brain, the more confused you will be.
While it's easy to let others dictate the situation for you, be open to half-hearted ideas on your part. Trust that you have seen both sides of the story equally and make your choice. The more times you do it, the easier it gets.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
Cancer, consider this an excuse to step out of your comfort zone. As a Water sign ruled by the Moon, you have a deep understanding of your emotions and value security above all else. But it also means it’s easy to stay in a comfortable bubble.
It's not uncommon for Cancers to be stingy with their time and energy in order to stay comfortable. Yet, at the same time, you'll wonder why you feel disconnected and never seem to be having any fun.
"Cancer patients need to recognize that when they have built a solid internal world, they can then venture out and achieve great things," Grimm said. Trust that your comfortable accommodation will be there when you return.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
"Leo is ruled by the Sun and is willing to take admirable risks to express themselves creatively," says Grimm. "These expressive activities come from Leo's inner child who wants to experience the joy of life."
The problem is, often what starts out as a fun project quickly turns into something you take too seriously. Before you know it, your ego has taken the wheel, and that’s when you and everyone around you are no longer having fun.
To break this cycle, Grimm recommends getting back to your core. Instead of getting hung up on the outcome of something—whether it's a creative project, a work report, or even a vacation—you'll actually be more successful.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
A Virgo will feel trapped if anything happens to them. As an earth sign ruled by Mercury, you tend to want things done perfectly or not at all, which often means you become very rigid.
According to Grimm, you may have a consistent and strict daily routine, and while it does keep you organized, you may have taken it too far—perhaps even to the point where you've forgotten how to have fun.
That's why you benefit from a period in your life when you can throw caution to the wind and relax. What is your theme for the coming months? Embrace the chaos.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Libra, it's time to step away from your phone and learn how to say no. You tend to spend all your time, energy, and attention on others, whether it's agreeing to plans, responding to text messages at any time, or allowing yourself to absorb other people's negative energy.
If an argument breaks out in a group chat, you'll be the first to try to resolve it; if a friend needs a ride, you'll jump in without question. But have you ever considered that this isn’t actually your job?
Grimm believes that putting yourself first is also an act of love, especially because it makes you feel whole so you can better show up to people. To break this habit, you can spend a self-care night—or an entire self-care week—just being yourself.
Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st)
Scorpio, I'll hold your hand and say this, but you really need to get over your ex. Now is the time to let go of any anger or pain you feel over the breakup because it really weighs you down.
According to Grimm, this pain that keeps you hanging on to old wounds is a constant theme in your life. "Scorpios often find reasons to distrust others, perhaps because some sense of safety or security was compromised early in life," he says. If you don't make changes, this trend will continue to follow you.
To break out of this pattern, Grimm recommends identifying the core experiences that hurt you the most so you can root them out, analyze them, and move on. That way, the tough times ahead will be easier to get through.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Let’s be honest, Sagittarius. When was the last time you actually listened to a conversation? As a fiery sign ruled by expansive Jupiter, you like to talk, travel, and learn as much as possible.
"These experiences [shape the sign's] broader perspective and philosophy," says Grimm, but it can also get out of control.
While your friends and family want to hear your crazy travel stories and overseas tales, make sure you're not preaching to them. As Grimm said, it's easy to go down the path of self-righteousness, so stay humble and let others do the talking.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
"Capricorns are naturally good at working hard and gradually achieving long-term, ambitious goals," says Grimm, but this often comes at a cost. While this attitude serves you well in the outside world, you often forget to take off your mask when you get home.
It's okay to admit that you're tired or need some attention. It's important to process and accept your emotions so you can take care of yourself and anyone around you.
"Also, Capricorns need to make sure they strive for success on their own terms rather than seeking to please the authority figures in their lives," he says. The only way you can know for sure is if you take the time to check in with yourself.
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18)
Aquarius is a selfless air sign ruled by Uranus, and it's in their nature to help others as much as possible. Whether you're helping a friend or a larger cause, you're always busy, busy, busy.
It's great that you're so dedicated, but that's also why you'll burn out so quickly. To achieve balance, Grimm recommends activating your inner Leo, a fiery sign that knows exactly what it wants.
By relying on opposite signs, he says, you can ensure you're driving positive change while also doing things you truly enjoy.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
As a water sign, you tend to disappear into your own world, especially if you feel like you're absorbing other people's strange energies. While it's more comfortable there, the habit can eventually make you feel numb and isolated, Grimm said.
"If Pisces completely succumbs to escapism, they may lose touch with reality and lose touch with others," he says. Therefore, Grim recommends not staying put 24/7, but instead tapping into your watery energy by finding activities that can help you reconnect, like volunteering. "In this way, Pisces can engage with those around them and improve the human condition."
Whenever possible, surrounding yourself with like-minded people can also help. If someone is draining your mental energy, that's your signal to let them go.
source:
Evan Nathaniel Grim, horoscope and astrology expert
