This time, however, something was different. Maybe it was the plant‘s stubborn refusal to give up (seriously, this thing was a fighter!), or maybe it was the sheer guilt I felt every time I noticed its drooping leaves. Whatever the reason, I decided to give this whole “plant parenting” thing a real shot.

Turns out, I was doing everything wrong. Overwatering, underwatering, forgetting it existed for weeks on end—you name it, I was guilty of it. But here’s the thing: This little plant, bless its chlorophyll-filled heart, didn’t give up on me. It just sat there, patiently waiting for me to figure things out.

And you know what? I did. After a few near-death experiences (sorry, plant!), I finally found my rhythm. I learned to read its subtle cues—the way its leaves would droop ever so slightly when it was thirsty, or how it seemed to perk up after a sunny afternoon by the window.

Lesson #2: Embracing the Subtleties of Growth

Now, this wasn’t some overnight transformation into a prize-winning orchid. In fact, for the longest time, it seemed like my plant was just…existing. No dramatic growth spurts, no dazzling blooms, just the same old green leaves doing their thing.

But then, one day, while watering (on schedule, I might add!), I noticed something incredible: a tiny, brand-new leaf unfurling from the stem. It was small, almost insignificant, but to me, it was a monumental victory.

That’s when it hit me: Growth isn’t always this big, dramatic event. Sometimes, it’s subtle, almost invisible. It’s about showing up consistently, even when you don’t see immediate results. It’s about trusting the process and believing that, even in the stillness, something amazing is taking root.