Many of us, turn to plants for that touch of vibrancy and life, decorating our spaces with foliage that ranges from the deep, rich greens of ferns, to the subtle pastel hues of succulents. It’s no surprise that a majority of households feature plants as a staple in home decor. They’re not just visually appealing; they also purify the air and can improve our mental well-being.
However, as many plant parents will admit, the journey of nurturing these verdant friends is often peppered with challenges. It seems almost a rite of passage for anyone with houseplants to have a tale or two of botanical neglect – the consequences of these lapses are wilted leaves and drooping stems, a silent reproach for our forgetfulness.
Conversely, there are those of us whose nurturing instincts may veer a tad too far, lavishing our plants with water in abundance, only to discover that such well-intentioned acts may lead to waterlogged roots, and the onset of decay. It’s a delicate balance, learning how much water is “just right.”
And let’s not forget the intricacies of light and nourishment. Each plant has its own unique appetite for sunlight and shade, with some thriving under the gentle rays of the morning sun, and others yearning for the seclusion of a shady spot. Similarly, the mysteries of fertilization add another layer of complexity.
There are also times when we must entrust our beloved green companions to the care of others; perhaps during a vacation or a move. During these separations, our leafy friends might face trials of their own – the peril of inconsistent care, or even complete disregard, at the hands of temporary guardians, who might not share our botanical bond, or understand the specific needs of our plants. It’s not uncommon to return to a disillusioned plant, one that seems to mourn the absence of its usual caretaker.
Despite these challenges, or perhaps because of them, the bond between plants and their human keepers grows stronger. Every brown leaf pruned and every new bud that unfurls, a testament to our ongoing commitment and the lessons learned through trial and error. Each mistake is an opportunity to grow, and to better understand the silent language of our green friends. With a bit of patience, some acquired knowledge, and a lot of love, we can all become adept caretakers of our own indoor jungles.
My affinity for plants is profound. As someone innately nurturing, cultivating plants indulges both my instinct to care and my artistic expression. When my beloved father passed away, my remarkable coworkers gifted me a Peace Lily. This plant became a symbol of my resolve, as I was determined to tend to it in his memory.
During a period of personal tribulations, a friend volunteered to look after my plants. Upon their return, my heart sank to find the Peace Lily nearly perished. I was disheartened by my friend’s negligence and her seemingly indifference to my sorrow.
Nevertheless, I resolved to resuscitate the plant. My research revealed that Peace Lilies are resilient – how ironic. After trimming away lifeless leaves, I was elated to discover two small, green stems still fighting for life. With tender care, I nurtured these stems—watered them diligently, positioned them near a source of warmth during the winter, and ensured they received ample indirect sunlight. I coddled them, and replenished them with regular feedings of fertilizer.
Now, nearly two years later, the plant has not only survived, but flourished, boasting three blossoms. After repotting, it has grown more magnificent than ever. This Peace Lily has become more than a plant to me—it’s a lasting, silent message from my father, a beacon of encouragement from the beyond. Through its resurgence, I find a reflection of my drive, a testament to resilience and the potential for proliferating rebirth, amidst life’s greatest challenges. My love for plants remains undiminished, for through them, I continue to channel my nurturing spirit and keep my father’s memory thriving within my daily life.
Throughout my life, I’ve persistently neglected to treat myself with kindness and compassion, often denying myself the care and rest I desperately needed. My time has been disproportionately devoted to caring for others’ offspring, at the expense of tending to my own well-being. In striving to be the wind beneath their wings, I’ve inadvertently discarded my own entitlements, preferences, and delights, leading to a state of inner desolation that often revealed itself through my sour temperament, irritability, and sharp tongue. In prioritizing others, I sacrificed my happiness, leaving me feeling hollow, spent, and resentful.
Recognizing these patterns of self-neglect, marks the beginning of a journey, breathing new life into my daily existence and initiating a personal renaissance. In this process, I am the gardener, in the role of nurturing my spirit, crafting a future where the kindness and attention I have generously extended to those around me, are now directed inward. Engaging in self-care, is crucial to foster my personal development, and to ensure that I thrive in an environment that values my well-being, and where my fulfillment is paramount.
I have embarked on the noble journey of recognizing the significance of my well-being and divine purpose, committing to nurturing myself with the same intensity and commitment that I have consistently offered to others. Through this commitment, I aspire to create a life where joy and fulfillment are not fleeting guests, but enduring inhabitants. In this revitalized realm, I will thrive, not merely endure; I will utilize the instruments of self-decency, self-gentility, self-dignity, and self-kindness to shape a life as supportive and lively as the attention I have bestowed upon others.
Now is the time to live the sermons I’ve delivered, acting on the counsel that I’ve championed.
BORNWAPS 