It's human nature to react to potential pain in three ways: fight, flight or freeze. These responses have kept humans on the planet for thousands of years, so when you feel like hitting, running or going numb it is nothing to be ashamed of. Do note that the position of the sun to Jupiter could have us overreacting, though. Most pain is not fatal.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). A lot of people won't put in the necessary work. You're one of the rare ones who will. Remember this when you're pushing yourself and sweating it out. The prize seems far off. Maybe so, but you'll get there.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It's the little things: a smiling compliment, the rays of sunshine through your window, the smell of a nice shop. Your appreciation will attract even more instances of loveliness.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have been changed for the better by a relationship, and not because it went well. The disappointing things about that union have inspired you to become remarkable.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll help the ones around you who have yet to develop the moral conscience necessary to keep out of trouble. Just don't become so rigid that you miss out on all the fun.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You do nice things for people you don't even like. Imagine what you'll do for your favorites. One person in particular will feel very lucky to have your support today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The thing that makes you squirm, or jump up to defend yourself, well, usually there's some truth in it, otherwise it wouldn't go nerve-deep like that. Accept it and be set free.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Love is a wild bird none can tame. Call to it, ask it to rest on your shoulder if you want, but wild birds do as they please. Live your own wilderness and dare love to catch up.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You weren't expecting life to be easy, and you have that going for you now. Effort, focus and a tolerance for frustration — these three ingredients are required to manifest anything of value.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). When things don't go the way you want the lesson may be more valuable than if your desire had been fulfilled. That's what makes today's win sweeter.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Because willpower is in short supply, your best strategy is to rely on it less. This is done through the creation of habits. Sticking to the plan might be difficult, but it will only be difficult for a few minutes at a time.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Someone who came before you has already put in the work necessary to get a result that is reasonable, clear and functional. Now you'll take it to the next level and make it beautiful, elegant and poetic.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The best results will happen as a result of friction today, so don't be too quick to back out of conflict. Somewhere between two strong opinions is a solution that will work.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 14). After months of taking care of others, you're the one who gets to experience some well-deserved help, pampering and adoration. January shows your rising in a group. There will be new responsibilities, which you'll take to like this is what you were born to do. Romance and excitement fill 2016. Aries and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 12, 20, 1 and 38.

HOLIDAY STRESS RELIEVERS: Consider the complications of increased financial activity, family dynamics, travel and extreme weather conditions and it is not difficult to figure out why so many wind up feeling spent and blue in December. So what can you do to counteract holiday stress?

CANCER: The crab is among the signs most sensitive to stress and, like fellow water signs Scorpio and Pisces, will absorb the stress of loved ones by osmosis and add that to whatever stress levels he or she was able to achieve solo. Therefore, setting up boundaries is key to Cancer's enjoyment of the holidays. Communicate these boundaries, too, or they are unlikely to stand up against the real-life tests that arise this time of year.

If there's one rule that will save Cancer from illness and feeling low, it's to obey the suggestions of his or her own body. Rest when it says rest no matter what else is on the schedule. This could mean leaving the party when the going is good instead of giving in to friends who want to carry on. Health and sleep are more closely related than ever at the end of the year.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Vanessa Hudgens will join friends Nick Jonas and Carly Rae Jepsen in the highly anticipated television event "Grease: Live" playing one of musical theater's favorite rebellious teens, Rizzo, the queen of the Pink Ladies. The fiery Sagittarius was born under a Pisces moon, ideal for actresses who strive to empathize so strongly that they lose themselves inside their characters.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com and click "Write the Author" on her page or visit her website at HolidayMathis.com.