This was originally in my newsletter, but I wanted to share it here too because we’re all just really complicated plants that need different types of care – enter Houseplant mode! With Spring on the way, I’m thinking about Growth and looking at how I plan to grow this year. It made me think about how I’ve spent the majority of my life feeling rather uncomfortable in any environment other than one of my creation – even in online spaces.
But when I find those spaces where I feel comfortable and safe? I bloom. Beautifully. I spent so long feeling like an absolute failure (or big weirdo) in so many aspects of my life. But at the end of the day, I’m an exotic plant that needs specific EVERYTHING – and then watch out.
I wish I had learned that earlier in life. I spent so much time comparing myself to everyone else. I lived alone until I was in my mid-30s. Didn’t get married until my mid-30s. Didn’t quit my day job to find work I loved until my mid-30s.
And all of that happened because I tended my soil – lovingly. So to speak.
I made a life that allowed me to thrive.
If you’re struggling right now, if you’re feeling left behind or left out or like things are not ever going to feel ‘right’, please hang in there. Focus on what’s around you as best you can, listen to and meet your needs as best you can, treat yourself like a temperamental sun-deprived, and dehydrated houseplant.
– Talk kindly to yourself.
But just keep digging those roots in deeper. You’ve got this.
We’re going into Houseplant Mode this week. Choose one of these activities. (Or all of them)
Hydrate: Just like a thirsty houseplant, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Carry a water bottle as a reminder to hydrate throughout the day.
Soak Up Some Sun: Spend a few minutes outside soaking up morning sunlight or sit by a sunny window.
Repot Yourself: Focus on your space by decluttering or deep cleaning your room, office, living room, or wherever you spend the most time.
Prune Away the Dead Ends: Let go of something that’s not nurturing your growth. Even if it’s just something old or broken that you’ve been meaning to throw away or get rid of.
Practice Positive Self-Talk: Be kind and encouraging to yourself.
Give Yourself Space to Grow: Say ‘no’ to something you don’t want to do, schedule in time for yourself, actually give yourself room to breathe and relax.
