My first challenge was understanding that plants operate on a different timeline than us humans. I, accustomed to the instant gratification of a perfectly poured latte or a witty text reply, was wholly unprepared for the glacial pace of plant growth. I’d stare at the thing, willing it to sprout new leaves, convinced I was doing something wrong. Where were the dramatic transformations, the overnight miracles? Turns out, patience isn’t just about waiting; it’s about appreciating the subtle changes, the slow and steady progress that often goes unnoticed in our fast-paced lives.

Lesson #2: How (Not) to Drown Your Plant With Love

Now, I’m a generous person by nature. I like to shower my loved ones (both the human and furry kind) with affection, and I tend to overestimate the amount of hot sauce I can handle. So naturally, I applied this same logic to my plant. “Water is life!” I declared, drowning the poor thing in my misguided affection. It wasn’t until the leaves started to yellow that I realized my error. Turns out, even good intentions can backfire. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is give someone (or something) the space it needs to thrive, even if it means resisting the urge to over-parent.