My Thumb, Formerly Brown, Now Slightly Green
Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing abilities. In fact, I once managed to kill a cactus. A cactus, people! So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a cheerful little ZZ plant, my immediate thought was, “Oh no, not another victim.”
But, determined to prove myself wrong (and maybe impress my friend a little), I vowed to keep this plant alive. Little did I know, this leafy green roommate would end up teaching me more than just how to keep something alive. This, my friends, is the story of how a plant became my unlikely life coach.
Now, I’m a “results-oriented” person (read: impatient). I like to see progress, and I like it now. But my little ZZ plant, bless its heart, had other plans. It grew at a pace that could only be described as “glacial,” with new growth appearing at what felt like geological intervals.
At first, I’d hover over it, anxiously checking for new shoots, convinced I was doing something wrong. But slowly, I began to appreciate the subtle changes – a new leaf unfurling, the deepening color of the foliage. The plant taught me, albeit slowly, that real growth takes time, and sometimes, the best things are worth waiting for.
Lesson #2: Embracing Simplicity and Avoiding Overwatering
As a self-proclaimed overthinker, I have a PhD in catastrophizing. But my ZZ plant, in its infinite wisdom, showed me the error of my ways. You see, this plant thrives on neglect. Forget to water it for a week? No problem. Accidentally leave it in a dark corner? It actually prefers that.
This resilience was a revelation. It made me realize that sometimes, I need to relax a little. Not everything requires my constant attention and worrying. Sometimes, the best course of action is to simply step back and let things be.