Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: patience

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    My Descent into Plant Parenthood

    I’ve never been particularly gifted in the art of keeping things alive. Sure, I’ve managed to keep myself relatively fed and watered (most days), but anything beyond that was always a gamble. So naturally, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a houseplant for my birthday, I accepted it with the same trepidation one might feel holding a ticking time bomb.

    “It’s a ZZ plant,” she’d chirped. “Practically indestructible!”

    Oswald, mostly because it seemed like a name that commanded respect, and promptly set about researching how not to kill him. Turns out, even “indestructible” plants have their limits. Who knew?

    Lesson #1: Patience Is a Virtue (and Essential for Plant Care)

    My first blunder as a plant parent? Overwatering. In my defense, all the plant care blogs made it sound like a life-or-death scenario. “Don’t let the soil dry out!” they screamed. So, I watered Oswald. And then I watered him some more. Just to be safe, you know?

    Spoiler alert: it wasn’t safe. Oswald started to droop, his once-perky leaves turning an alarming shade of yellow. Cue the frantic Googling and the realization that, much like humans, plants need space to breathe (or, in their case, photosynthesize). I learned that sometimes, the best thing you can do is…nothing. Just observe, wait, and let nature do its thing.

    Lesson #2: Embracing the Unexpected Nature of Growth

    After the Great Overwatering Incident of 2023, I decided to adopt a more hands-off approach with Oswald. I watered him sparingly, only when the soil was bone dry, and mostly just tried to stay out of his way. Imagine my surprise when, a few weeks later, I noticed a new shoot unfurling from the soil.

  • The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now a Professional)

    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now a Professional)



    From Regular Dude to Line-Standing Legend

    Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys standing in line. It’s the societal equivalent of being stuck in traffic: a necessary evil we all endure for the promise of something great at the end (a concert ticket, the latest iPhone, a cronut…). But my friends, I’m here to tell you, there’s an art to it. After years of experience, I’ve gone from Average Joe to Line-Standing Legend. I’ve seen it all, from the good (making friends with fellow line-standers) to the bad (epic meltdowns over bathroom breaks) and the downright ugly (rogue line-cutters, may they forever be haunted by the ghosts of lines past).

    So, without further ado, I present to you the unwritten, unspoken, yet universally understood rules of being a line-stander. Heed them well, my friends.

    Rule #1: The Invisible Force Field (And Why You Should Never Cross It)

    You know that invisible bubble surrounding each person in line? That’s their personal space, their sanctuary in the chaos. Maintain a respectful distance. This isn’t a mosh pit (unless, of course, it’s a line for a mosh pit, in which case, disregard). Now, this space fluctuates. A packed, bustling line? You might be elbow-to-elbow with your neighbor. A leisurely queue for a Sunday matinee? Give ’em breathing room. How much? Think “could I comfortably reach into their bag of chips?” If the answer is yes, you’re too close.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant





    Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from My Houseplant



    From Plant Killer to Plant Parent: My Journey to (Slightly) Greener Thumbs

    I’ve never been what you’d call “good” with plants. In fact, I’m infamous among friends for my ability to kill even the most resilient succulents. So, imagine their surprise (and my sheer terror) when I decided to adopt a houseplant. I know, I know, it sounded like a recipe for disaster, kind of like taking a goldfish for a walk in the park. But something about the little green fella at the farmers’ market called to me. Maybe it was the way its leaves drooped slightly, mirroring the perpetual exhaustion of a sleep-deprived millennial like myself. We were kindred spirits, united by our shared struggle to thrive.

    Plants Teach Us to Slow Down

    The first thing I learned was patience. My plant, which I affectionately named Gerald (all living things deserve a name, even the ones I’m likely to accidentally suffocate with over-watering), didn’t sprout new leaves overnight. It didn’t transform into a lush, verdant paradise after a single watering. In fact, for the first few weeks, I swear it did nothing but judge me silently from the corner of my living room. But then, one day, I noticed something. A tiny, green nubbin pushing its way out from the soil. It was a new leaf! I’d successfully kept something alive for longer than it takes to order takeout! This was a major victory, people. And it taught me that good things take time. Just like Gerald couldn’t be rushed into blooming, neither could my dreams, goals, or, you know, my ability to make a decent sourdough loaf.

    Lesson 2: Finding Routine and Calm in Caring for My Green Roommate

    Plants, like people, need sunshine and water to thrive. Seems obvious, right? Well, tell that to my past self who treated watering schedules like vague suggestions and considered any ray of sunlight hitting my apartment a bonus feature. Gerald, however, thrived in a routine. He needed a specific amount of sunlight each day and a consistent watering schedule. Who knew plants were such divas? Turns out, establishing a routine for Gerald wasn’t just good for him, it was good for me too. My once chaotic mornings became a little more structured, a little more mindful. Who knew that tending to a tiny green roommate could bring a sense of calm to my otherwise hectic life?

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant




    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant


    My Thumb, Once Brown, Now Slightly Green

    I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a plant person. In fact, I was the human equivalent of a drought. My track record with anything leafy was less than stellar, marked by a trail of crispy leaves and silent accusations. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant – a cheerful little peace lily, she claimed – I accepted with feigned enthusiasm and a mental countdown to its inevitable demise.

    But something strange happened. Maybe it was the pity I felt for the poor thing, or maybe it was the sheer determination to prove my friend wrong, but I found myself actually trying. And you know what? My plant thrived! It sprouted new leaves, bloomed with unexpected flowers, and even seemed to perk up when I walked into the room (or maybe I was just projecting). The point is, this little plant, this green symbol of my past failures, became my unlikely teacher, imparting valuable life lessons I never expected.

    Lesson 1: Cultivating Patience Through Plant Parenthood

    One of the first things I learned from my plant is that patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s a necessity. You can’t rush growth, no matter how much you might want to. Just like you can’t force a bud to bloom, you can’t force progress in life. Sometimes, you just have to wait, water consistently, and trust the process.

    There were times when I’d stare at my plant, willing it to grow faster, willing it to sprout new leaves overnight. But nature, as they say, takes its time. And in that time, I learned to appreciate the subtle changes, the slow but steady progress. I learned that the most rewarding things in life, like lush foliage and personal growth, take time and consistent effort.

    [IMAGE_DESCRIPTION: Humorous image of the author
  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant




    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant


    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my plant-parenting skills are more comparable to a desert sandstorm than a nurturing rainforest. So, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a leafy Calathea Orbifolia (a notoriously dramatic diva of the plant world), I knew I was in for a wild ride.

    From Black Thumb to…Slightly Less Black Thumb

    My journey with Orbie (yes, I named her) started out predictably rocky. I managed to overwater her within the first week, resulting in droopy leaves that seemed to judge my every move.

    life, I suppose): even when we mess up royally, there’s always a chance for redemption. I finally learned to pay attention to Orbie’s subtle cues. Her drooping leaves taught me the importance of listening, of observing the needs of those around me (and not just assuming I know what’s best). Who knew a plant could be such a demanding yet insightful teacher?

    Learning Patience From a Calathea

    We live in a world obsessed with instant gratification. Want to watch a movie? Stream it now. Need groceries? Order online. But Orbie, with her slow and steady growth, taught me the beauty of patience. I learned to appreciate the small victories: a new leaf unfurling, a subtle shift towards the sunlight.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    My Thumb Went From Brown to Slightly Green

    Let’s be honest, my history with plants was less than stellar. My track record involved more crispy leaves and wilted stems than I care to admit. I was basically the plant grim reaper, single-handedly decimating any leafy friend that dared to grace my windowsill. So, imagine my surprise when I managed to not only keep a houseplant alive but also learn some valuable life lessons along the way.

    Growth

    My first lesson came in the form of a frustratingly slow-growing ZZ plant. I’m talking glacial pace, people. I practically camped out next to the pot, willing it to sprout a new leaf. Where was the instant gratification? The overnight success story?

    Turns out, real growth takes time. Just like that stubborn ZZ plant, personal growth doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, consistency, and a whole lot of trust in the process. It’s about celebrating the small victories, those tiny new leaves that signal progress, even if it feels like an eternity.

    Lesson #2: Embrace Challenges for Growth

    Here’s the thing about plants (and maybe people too): Sometimes they need a little tough love. I’m talking about saying no to the urge to overwater, to fuss, to constantly repot in a larger space. Sometimes, a little bit of struggle is what helps them grow stronger roots.

    This resonated with me on a personal level. We all have comfort zones we cling to, but stepping outside of them, embracing challenges, can lead to incredible growth. It’s about learning to thrive, not just survive, and realizing that sometimes a little discomfort is the catalyst for something extraordinary.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant



    My Brown Thumb Meets a Green Roommate

    Let’s be honest, I’m not known for my nurturing abilities. My thumbs are less green and more… well, let’s just say cacti shudder when I walk by. So, when a friend gifted me a supposedly “unkillable” ZZ plant, I accepted with trepidation. I knew what fate awaited this poor, unsuspecting soul.

    Lesson #1: Resilience is Key

    As predicted, my reign of terror began almost immediately. I overwatered, underwatered, and even spilled coffee on it (twice!). Yet, to my astonishment, it persisted. It drooped, it browned, it looked ready to file a restraining order, but it never gave up. This “unkillable” plant was living up to its name, and teaching me a valuable lesson about resilience. Just like my resilient plant, I realized, we humans can bounce back from adversity. We just need to tap into our inner ZZ plant.

    Lesson #2: Growth Happens on Its Own Terms

    Here’s the thing about ZZ plants: they’re notoriously slow growers. I’m talking glacial pace. For months, I saw zero progress. Nada. Zilch. It was beyond frustrating. I wanted results, proof that my less-than-stellar care was yielding something. Then, one day, a new shoot emerged. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

    That’s when it hit me: growth, both in plants and in life, happens on its own time. We can’t force it, we can’t rush it, we just need to be patient and trust the process. Sometimes, the most important growth happens beneath the surface, invisible but no less significant.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant



    My Brown Thumb Redemption Arc (Or So I Thought)

    Let’s be honest, I’m about as good at keeping plants alive as I am at understanding cryptocurrency. My past attempts at plant parenthood resulted in more casualties than a low-budget action flick. So, you can imagine the surprised looks (and maybe a little side-eye) when I announced I was adopting a houseplant. “It’s going to be different this time,” I declared, armed with a shiny new watering can and a healthy dose of optimism (delusion?).

    Plant‘s Best Friends

    My first plant-parenting hurdle? Understanding that plants, unlike my social media feed, don’t thrive on instant gratification. This little green roommate, which I affectionately named Ferdinand, didn’t magically sprout new leaves overnight just because I spritzed him with water and whispered words of encouragement (don’t judge). It turns out, patience is key. And sunlight. Lots of sunlight, which my apartment, sadly, lacked.

    After weeks of watching Ferdinand stubbornly refuse to grow an inch, I finally caved and consulted the internet (aka, the plant parent’s best friend). Turns out, I’d been keeping him in a dimly lit corner, mistaking his dramatic wilting for thirst. Who knew plants were such drama queens?

    So, I moved Ferdinand to a sun-drenched windowsill, apologized profusely for my ignorance, and vowed to be a better plant parent. Slowly but surely, he perked up, even gifting me with a tiny new leaf. I swear, I almost cried. The moral of the story? Sometimes, all it takes is a little patience, a lot of sunshine, and the willingness to admit you don’t know everything (still working on that last one).

    Lesson 2: Overthinking and Overwatering: A Recipe for Disaster

    Now, you’d think after the Great Sunlight Debacle of 2023 (yes, it was that dramatic), I would have learned my lesson about overthinking things. But alas, I am a creature of habit. So, when Ferdinand’s leaves started to droop slightly, I panicked.

    “He needs water!” my inner plant-killer screamed. “Drown him in love (and H2O)!”

    Ignoring the voice of reason (and the helpful moisture meter I’d bought), I proceeded to shower Ferdinand with enough water to irrigate a small desert. Unsurprisingly, this did not end well. A few days later, my once-thriving plant friend was looking decidedly worse for wear, his leaves yellowing at the edges. Cue the frantic Googling and the sinking realization that I’d committed the cardinal sin of plant parenthood: overwatering.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    From Brown Thumb to Budding Plant Parent

    We’ve all been there. Scrolling through Instagram, you’re bombarded by photos of your friends’ thriving indoor jungles. Lush greenery spills out of every corner, practically photosynthesizing happiness into their perfectly filtered lives. You, on the other hand, consider it a major win if you remember to water your succulent once a month (spoiler alert: I didn’t).

    So, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a – gasp – real houseplant for my birthday, I accepted with a shaky smile and a silent prayer. I named him Percy (he just looked like a Percy, okay?), found a sunny spot by the window, and braced myself for the inevitable plant-parent fail.

    Percy was about to school me in more than just keeping a plant alive. He became my tiny green guru, teaching me the art of patience. You see, Percy wasn’t the kind of plant that shot up overnight, showing off his new growth like some botanical show-off. No, Percy was a slow and steady kind of guy. He took his sweet time, growing at his own pace, reminding me that sometimes the best things in life (like a flourishing houseplant or, you know, personal growth) take time.

    I’ll admit, there were moments when I considered giving Percy a little “boost.” Maybe some extra fertilizer? A growth lamp, perhaps? But something held me back. Maybe it was Percy’s quiet resilience, or maybe it was the fear of becoming that plant parent, the one who suffocates their greenery with too much love (and Miracle-Gro).

    Embracing Imperfection: A Lesson in Letting Go

    Then came the inevitable: brown spots. I panicked. Had I overwatered him? Underwatered him? Was it a rare plant disease only found in poorly lit studio apartments? Turns out, I was being dramatic (shocker, I know). Sometimes, leaves just die. It’s part of the natural cycle of life, even for a plant named Percy.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant




    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from a Houseplant


    My Thumb Was More Charcoal Than Green

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing skills. My plant-parenting journey started (and almost ended) with a cactus named Spike. Let’s just say Spike wasn’t the most resilient of desert dwellers, and my attempts at “watering sparingly” were met with a slow, prickly demise. I swore off plants faster than you could say “overwatering.” That is, until a friend gifted me a resilient little ZZ plant named Zephyr.

    plant could survive a nuclear apocalypse, I swear. But it wasn’t just his ability to endure that struck me; it was his ability to thrive despite the odds. He taught me that resilience isn’t just about getting through tough times, it’s about finding ways to flourish even when things aren’t ideal.

    Lesson #2: Patience is a Virtue, Especially When Repotting

    Now, anyone who’s ever repotted a plant knows it can be a messy affair. Picture this: me, covered in dirt, wrestling Zephyr’s root ball into a pot that’s clearly two sizes too small. Let’s just say it involved some grunting, a few choice words, and a healthy dose of regret. It was in those moments of repotting chaos that Zephyr taught me the importance of patience. Just like you can’t rush a plant’s growth, you can’t force progress in other areas of life. Sometimes, you just have to trust the process, even when it’s messy and uncomfortable.

    plant progress” was pretty low-bar. Like, “it’s still alive” was a cause for celebration. But Zephyr, in all his leafy wisdom, showed me the joy of appreciating the little things. A new sprout unfurling? Cause for a happy dance. A slightly taller stem? I’m grabbing my measuring tape. He reminded me that life’s not all about the grand achievements; it’s about finding joy in the everyday wins, no matter how small they may seem.

    What Will Your Houseplant Teach You?

    Now, I’m not saying you should abandon all self-help books and start seeking life advice from your succulents (although, that’s not a bad idea). But, I challenge you to look at your houseplants with a fresh perspective. You might be surprised by the unexpected wisdom they have to offer.