My Brown Thumb Gets Greener (Kind Of)
Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my plant-parenting history could be described as a graveyard of good intentions and crispy leaves. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a seemingly indestructible ZZ plant, I accepted with a mix of hope and skepticism. Little did I know, this low-maintenance leafy friend would teach me more than just how to keep something alive (though that was a definite bonus!).
As I learned to resist the urge to water Zeus every other day, I realized that patience wasn’t just about resisting an impulse; it was about understanding and respecting different needs. Like plants, people have their own rhythms and preferences. Sometimes, the best way to show love and support is by giving space and trusting the process (and not drowning them in metaphorical water, of course).
Lesson #2: Growth Isn’t Always Obvious (But It’s Always Happening)
Here’s the thing about ZZ plants: they’re slow growers. For months, Zeus seemed content with maintaining the same three leaves, leading me to believe my attempts at plant parenthood were futile. But then, one day, I noticed it: a tiny, tightly furled new shoot emerging from the soil. It was the most anticlimactic yet exhilarating moment of my plant-owning journey.
Zeus’s subtle growth was a powerful reminder that progress isn’t always linear or immediately visible. Sometimes, the most significant changes happen beneath the surface, slowly and steadily. Just because we can’t always see the growth doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Whether it’s personal development, career goals, or even just learning to keep a plant alive, trusting the process and celebrating the small wins can make all the difference.