Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: overthinking

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    My Thumb is More of a Gardening Black Hole

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my apartment balcony is a graveyard of well-intentioned succulents and tragically misunderstood herbs. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant – a resilient little ZZ plant, known for its ability to survive even the most neglectful owners – I accepted with a mix of hope and trepidation. Little did I know, this unassuming plant would soon teach me more about life than I ever expected.

    plant parenting duties with the same gusto. I researched the perfect watering schedule, debated the merits of different fertilizers, and even considered playing Mozart to encourage growth (don’t judge!). However, my plant remained stubbornly unimpressed. It wasn’t until I, in a fit of forgetfulness, neglected it for a good two weeks that it finally started to thrive.

    Turns out, like humans, plants need space to breathe and grow at their own pace. The constant fussing and overwatering had actually been suffocating it. Who knew? My little green roommate taught me the valuable lesson of letting go, trusting the process, and embracing the beauty of simplicity.

    Lesson 2: Resilience is a Superpower

    One fateful (and very clumsy) day, I managed to knock my poor plant off its pedestal, sending a cascade of dirt and broken leaves across the living room floor. Mortified, I frantically tried to salvage the situation, but the damage seemed irreparable. I resigned myself to the fact that I had finally achieved the impossible – killing the unkillable plant.

    But, to my astonishment, after a few weeks of gentle care and a lot of apologies, my resilient little ZZ plant started to bounce back. New shoots emerged, stronger and more vibrant than before. It was a powerful reminder that even after setbacks and near-death experiences (well, near-plant-death experiences), we have the incredible capacity to heal, regrow, and come back stronger than ever.

  • The Surprisingly Deep Thoughts I Have While Doing Laundry

    The Surprisingly Deep Thoughts I Have While Doing Laundry




    The Surprisingly Deep Thoughts I Have While Doing Laundry

    We all have those mundane tasks that make up the rhythm of our lives. For some, it’s washing dishes. For others, it’s mowing the lawn. For me, it’s laundry. Yes, that weekly (or, let’s be honest, bi-weekly) grapple with Mount Washmore sends my mind down some truly bizarre rabbit holes.

    From Dirty Socks to the Meaning of Life

    Just the other day, I was staring into the abyss of my laundry basket, contemplating the sheer volume of clothing I wear in a week (spoiler alert: it’s a lot), when it hit me. What does it all mean? Like, here I am, meticulously sorting socks (because, yes, I’m that person), and for what? So I can wear them again and repeat the cycle? Is this the circle of life Simba was singing about?

    Sock Mystery: Where Do Missing Socks Go?

    We’ve all been there. You put two socks in the washer, but somehow, only one emerges from the dryer. It’s like the Bermuda Triangle, but for socks. Where do they go? Do they have tiny sock passports and decide to elope? Are there sock monsters living in my dryer vents? The world may never know.

    The truly frustrating part is that the remaining sock, now a lonely bachelor, is basically useless. I mean, what am I going to do with a single sock? Wear it on my hand like a sock puppet? Start a sock-puppet theater dedicated to solving the mystery of its missing mate? The possibilities are endless, yet strangely unappealing.

  • Why I’m Convinced My Houseplant is Judging My Life Choices

    Why I’m Convinced My Houseplant is Judging My Life Choices

    We’ve all been there. You know, staring forlornly into the fridge at 2 a.m., wondering where it all went wrong. But lately, I’ve started to feel a distinct judgment radiating from a different corner of my apartment. It’s not my roommate, nor is it the stack of unread books on my nightstand (though, they probably have opinions too). No, the judgmental stare I’m talking about comes from none other than… my houseplant, Ferdinand.

    The Day Ferdinand Raised an Eyebrow (Figuratively, of Course)

    It all started innocently enough. I was repotting Ferdinand, a majestic ZZ plant I might add, when I accidentally ripped one of his healthy, green stems. Mortified, I apologized profusely, like the crazy plant lady I’m slowly becoming. But as I looked at Ferdinand, I swear I saw a flicker of something in his… leaves? Was that… judgment?

    Since then, I can’t shake the feeling that Ferdinand is silently critiquing my every move. Left the dishes piled up again? Ferdinand seems to droop a little lower. Scrolling aimlessly through social media instead of pursuing my dreams? I swear I hear a rustle of disapproval from his corner.

    Exhibit A: The Great ZZ Plant Watering Debacle

    Ferdinand, like most ZZ plants, enjoys a good, thorough watering – but only when the soil is dry. Me? I’m more of a “Whoops, forgot to water you for two weeks, let me drown you in compensation” kind of plant parent.

    One particularly egregious overwatering incident led to Ferdinand’s leaves turning an alarming shade of yellow. As I frantically googled “How to save overwatered plant,” I could practically feel Ferdinand’s judgmental gaze burning into my soul. He seemed to be saying, “Seriously, Susan? It’s literally one job.”

    Can a Houseplant Inspire Us to Grow?

    Here’s the thing about plants: they thrive when you give them consistent care and attention. My writing, much like Ferdinand, also thrives when I nurture it. But life, as it tends to do, gets in the way. Deadlines, errands, that new season of [insert your latest binge-worthy show] – all conspire to steal my time and focus.

    One evening, after a particularly unproductive day spent scrolling through social media, I glanced at Ferdinand. He stood tall and proud, a testament to the power of consistent growth. And in that moment, I realized something profound: Ferdinand wasn’t judging me, he was inspiring me. He was a silent reminder that even small, consistent actions can lead to incredible results.

    So, Is My Plant Judging Me?

    Maybe, maybe not. But honestly, does it even matter? He’s a plant, after all. But his silent presence has made me more aware of my own habits – the good, the bad, and the downright neglectful. And if a little bit of plant-based judgment helps me become a better plant parent and a better human, then I’ll take it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a certain ZZ plant to go water… correctly this time.

    Do you think your houseplants are judging you too? Share your hilarious plant parenting stories in the comments below!

  • The Day My Inner Voice Became a Real Person (and Why I Kind of Hate It)

    The Day My Inner Voice Became a Real Person (and Why I Kind of Hate It)


    We all have that little voice inside our heads, right? The one that narrates our lives, offers (often unwanted) opinions, and occasionally bursts into song at the most inopportune moments. Well, mine decided to become a real person. And no, it’s not nearly as cool as it sounds.

    “You’re Wearing *That*?” – The Day My Inner Critic Came to Life

    It all started innocently enough. I was staring into my closet, crippled by the age-old question: “What do I wear?” Suddenly, a voice boomed from the corner, “Seriously? The floral dress again? You look like a walking garden gnome.”

    I whirled around, expecting to see a judgmental fashionista, but there was… nothing. Just a pile of neglected gym clothes silently judging me from the floor. That’s when it hit me: my inner voice had somehow manifested in the real world. And it sounded suspiciously like my snarky Aunt Mildred.

  • The Day My Inner Voice Became an Actual Person (and Why I Now Need a Restraining Order)

    The Day My Inner Voice Became an Actual Person (and Why I Now Need a Restraining Order)



    The Day My Inner Voice Became a Person (and Why I Need a Restraining Order)

    We all have that voice inside our heads, right? That little narrator who provides a running commentary on our lives, offering unsolicited advice, witty comebacks we think of too late, and a whole lot of judgment. Well, mine decided to become a corporeal being. And friends, let me tell you, it’s been absolute chaos ever since.

    “You Should Really Get More Fiber” – My Inner Voice, Now Personified

    It started innocently enough. I was at the grocery store, agonizing over which brand of almond butter was ethically sourced and wouldn’t break the bank (adulting is hard, okay?). Suddenly, I heard a voice say, “You know, peanut butter is cheaper and has more protein.”

    I assumed it was just another grocery store philosopher, because those seem to be everywhere these days. But when I turned around, there was…no one. Just then, the voice whispered in my ear, “And you should really get more fiber in your diet.”

  • Is My Houseplant Silently Judging My Life Choices?

    Is My Houseplant Silently Judging My Life Choices?




    Is My Houseplant Silently Judging My Life Choices?


    We’ve all been there. You’re sprawled on the couch, three episodes deep into a reality TV marathon you swore you wouldn’t watch, and you catch a glimpse of your houseplant. It’s just sitting there, silently photosynthesizing, but you can’t shake the feeling that it’s judging you.

    Okay, maybe it’s just me. But hear me out, because I’ve compiled some pretty compelling evidence that my seemingly innocent houseplant, Herbert (yes, he has a name), is actually a very opinionated roommate in disguise.

    The Case of the Wilting Leaves

    It all started innocently enough. Herbert, a majestic peace lily I’d adopted from the supermarket, was thriving. Lush, green, the picture of plant perfection. Then came my quarter-life crisis.

    I’m talking career uncertainty, questionable dating app choices, the whole shebang. And guess what? Herbert started wilting. Not dramatically, mind you, but just enough to make me feel like I was failing at the one thing I thought I was good at: keeping a plant alive.

    I’d frantically Google things like “Is my peace lily judging my life choices?” and “Can plants sense existential dread?” (The internet, as always, provided no definitive answers.)

  • The Unexpected Perks of Living Life on the Fence (and How to Maybe, Possibly, Enjoy Them)

    The Unexpected Perks of Living Life on the Fence (and How to Maybe, Possibly, Enjoy Them)




    The Unexpected Perks of Living Life on the Fence (and How to Maybe, Possibly, Enjoy Them)

    Paralyzed by Pizza Toppings: Sound Familiar?

    Raise your hand if you’ve ever spent an absurd amount of time staring at a menu, utterly paralyzed by the sheer number of choices. Yep, that’s me, waving frantically from the back corner table, still debating between the margherita and the pepperoni while everyone else is halfway through their appetizers.

    indecisive is like having a built-in procrastination button that gets smashed on repeat, especially when faced with, well, any decision. But what if I told you there’s a silver lining to this whole “perpetually undecided” thing? What if, just maybe, there are some unexpected benefits to being the friend who takes forever to pick a restaurant?

    The Upside of Indecision: Why We Make Excellent Planners

    Here’s the thing: chronically indecisive people aren’t afraid of thinking things through. In fact, we excel at it! We’re the masters of weighing pros and cons, considering every possible outcome (no matter how outlandish), and meticulously researching every. single. option.

    This means that while we might take longer to arrive at a decision, we’re less likely to make rash choices. We’re the friends you want helping you plan a trip because you know we’ve already scoped out the best restaurants, mapped out alternative routes, and packed for every possible weather scenario (including a surprise snowstorm in July, just in case).

    Indecision Breeds Empathy (and Open-Mindedness)

    Indecisive people are rarely quick to judge. Why? Because we understand the struggle! We know what it’s like to be torn between different options, to see the merits in opposing viewpoints. This makes us incredibly empathetic listeners and friends. We’re the ones who will patiently hear out both sides of your story, offering a non-judgmental ear and a comforting, “Yeah, that’s tough. I totally get it.”

    We’re also the queens and kings of seeing the hidden potential in things (and people!). That vintage lamp with the wonky shade? We see its retro charm. Your friend’s new, slightly eccentric hobby? We’re fascinated and eager to learn more. We embrace the unconventional, the quirky, the things that make life interesting.

    Taming the Indecision Beast: Tips for Finding Your Way

    Look, I get it. Being chronically indecisive can be frustrating, both for us and the people we love. But instead of viewing it as a flaw, let’s reframe it as a unique quirk, a different way of approaching the world. Here are a few tips that have helped this lifelong fence-sitter:

    • Set time limits for decisions. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to weigh your options, then pick one and move on. Don’t dwell on it!
    • Embrace the “good enough” choice. Not every decision requires hours of deliberation. Sometimes, “good enough” really is good enough.
    • Focus on the process, not just the outcome. Celebrate the fact that you’re a thoughtful person who considers things carefully. That’s a strength!

    And hey, if all else fails, just flip a coin. You know you’ve considered both sides thoroughly enough by now, right?

    Embrace Your Inner Waffler: What Are Your Indecisive Superpowers?

    Being chronically indecisive might not always be easy, but it definitely comes with its own set of unexpected advantages. What are some of the ways your indecisiveness has actually benefited you? Share your stories in the comments below!