From Black Thumb to Budding Botanist (Sort Of)
I’ve never been particularly gifted in the plant department. In fact, I’m pretty sure I could kill a cactus in a desert. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a peace lily for my birthday, I accepted it with a grimace disguised as a grateful smile. “Don’t worry,” I told her, “I’ll keep it alive.” Famous last words, right?
Little did I know, this seemingly innocent plant, dubbed “Lily” (very original, I know), would become my unlikely life coach, teaching me more than just how to keep something green alive.
Now, I’m a notorious over-thinker and chronic over-waterer. I tend to overanalyze everything, including the well-being of my poor peace lily. Every drooping leaf sent me into a frenzy of googling: “Why is my peace lily sad?” “How much water is too much water?” “Is my plant judging my life choices?”
It took a few (okay, maybe several) close calls with root rot before I finally learned the art of patience. Plants, much like life, unfold at their own pace. Sometimes, you just have to step back, trust the process, and resist the urge to drown your problems (or your plants) with excessive attention.
Lesson #2: Finding Your Sunshine for Growth and Wellbeing
After my near-drowning incidents, I decided to move Lily to a brighter spot in my apartment. And guess what? She thrived! Her leaves perked up, she even sprouted a new one (a big moment for a serial plant killer like myself). That’s when it hit me: even the most resilient among us need a little sunshine sometimes.
We all have moments where we feel withered and depleted. But just like plants need sunlight to grow, we need to seek out the things that nourish our souls—whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing a passion, or simply taking a break from the daily grind.