We’ve all heard the saying, “Stop and smell the roses.” But what about, “Stop and appreciate the… uh… Ficus?” Yeah, doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it? And yet, here I am, a self-proclaimed plant killer turned reluctant plant lady, about to share the unexpected life lessons I learned from a houseplant. Buckle up, folks. This is gonna be good.
From Brown Thumb to Slightly Less Brown Thumb
My history with plants was, to put it mildly, tragic. I’m talking mass casualties. Succulents, ferns, even a cactus (a CACTUS!) met their demise under my care. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a peace lily for my birthday, I was convinced it wouldn’t last a week.
But something shifted. Maybe it was the lily’s vibrant green leaves or the promise of peace it supposedly brought (desperate times, you know?). Whatever it was, I was determined to keep this plant alive. I researched its needs, watered it religiously (okay, maybe a little too religiously at first… RIP, bottom leaves), and even started talking to it (don’t judge).
But then, just when I thought all hope was lost, I’d give it a little TLC (and maybe a pep talk) and, slowly but surely, it would bounce back. It was a powerful reminder that even when we feel defeated, a little bit of perseverance can go a long way.
Lesson #2: Embracing the Journey: Growth Isn’t Always Obvious (or Instagrammable)
We live in a world obsessed with instant gratification, with showcasing only the “highlight reels” of our lives. It’s easy to forget that real growth, like the kind my peace lily was doing, often happens slowly and behind the scenes.
There were weeks when it seemed like nothing was happening. And then one day, I’d notice a new leaf unfurling, reaching towards the sunlight. It was a subtle but profound reminder that progress isn’t always linear or glamorous. Sometimes, the most significant changes happen beneath the surface, quietly and steadily.