Fast forward a few months, and my little ZZ (who I affectionately named Zephyr) was, well, not so cheerful anymore. Turns out, “impossible to kill” is a relative term. After a particularly brutal combination of underwatering and accidental direct sunlight, Zephyr was looking less like a thriving houseplant and more like a wilted salad. I was ready to admit defeat, but then I noticed a tiny green shoot emerging from the soil.

Something about that little sprout sparked a flicker of hope (and a healthy dose of guilt). I committed to a regular watering schedule, moved Zephyr to a shadier spot, and hoped for the best. And guess what? He bounced back! It wasn’t overnight, but slowly and surely, Zephyr regained his lush green glory. He taught me that even when things seem hopeless, a little resilience (and maybe some extra TLC) can go a long way.

Lesson #2: Embracing the Pace of Growth, One Leaf at a Time

Now, I’m a bit of an impatient person by nature. I like to see immediate results, and I get antsy when things don’t move at my desired pace. But Zephyr, with his slow and steady growth habit, taught me the value of patience.

For months, it seemed like he wasn’t growing at all. Then, I’d notice a new leaf unfurling, reaching for the light. It was a quiet, unassuming kind of growth, but it was growth nonetheless. It reminded me that progress isn’t always linear or immediate. Sometimes, the most significant changes happen gradually, beneath the surface, and we just need to be patient and trust the process.