Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: personal growth

  • Is My Houseplant Judging My Life Choices? (I’m Starting to Think So)

    Is My Houseplant Judging My Life Choices? (I’m Starting to Think So)



    We’ve all been there, right? Staring into the abyss of a messy living room at 3 am, questioning every decision that led us to this very moment. But lately, I’ve started to feel like I’m not alone in my existential dread. No, it’s not a roommate (unless you count the pile of laundry in the corner as a roommate). It’s Herbert.

    Herbert, my seemingly innocent ZZ plant, has become the most judgmental houseguest I’ve ever encountered. And trust me, I’ve lived with some real characters.

    When My Houseplant Almost Staged an Intervention

    It all started with a particularly brutal week. Deadlines at work were looming, my dating life resembled a barren wasteland, and the closest I came to a home-cooked meal was microwaving a bag of popcorn (don’t judge, we’ve all been there). It was then that I noticed Herbert looking… different.

  • 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


    We’ve all been there – scrolling through Pinterest, suddenly envious of those people who seem to live in botanical gardens disguised as homes. Lush greenery spills over shelves, vibrant flowers brighten every corner…and then there’s the rest of us, battling to keep even a cactus alive.

    From Brown Thumb to…Slightly Greener Thumb?

    I fall somewhere in between. I’m not exactly known for my green thumb, but I’m also not about to let a little thing like keeping a plant alive defeat me. So, imagine my triumph when I managed to keep a peace lily alive for more than a month. Not just alive, mind you, but thriving! This thing was practically begging me to buy it a bigger pot (which I totally did, because, you know, #proudplantparent).

    But here’s the thing about plants – they’re not just pretty faces. They’re like tiny, silent gurus, whispering wisdom while they soak up the sun. And let me tell you, this little peace lily had a lot to say.

    Lesson #1: Learning to Chill Out – Sometimes Less is More

    I’m a bit of an overachiever. Okay, that’s an understatement. I’m the queen of overwatering, overthinking, and overdoing it in general. So, imagine my surprise when I discovered the secret to a happy peace lily is actually benign neglect. A little water here, some indirect sunlight there, and boom – growth!

    Turns out, constantly fussing over it was actually doing more harm than good. Who knew? This little plant taught me the power of stepping back, letting go of the need to control everything, and trusting the process.

    [IMAGE_DESCRIPTION: A photo of a person gently touching the leaf of their peace lily.]
  • 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 Wasn’t Always Green: A Houseplant Journey

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing abilities. I once killed a cactus. A CACTUS, people! So, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a leafy, vibrant peace lily, my immediate thought was, “Oh no, not another victim.” I imagined a tragic cycle of overwatering, underwatering, and ultimately, a slow, wilting demise. Turns out, I was in for a surprise.

    Peace Lily

    For weeks, I babied that plant like it was a newborn panda. I watered it religiously, sang it questionable lullabies, and even invested in a special plant light. Yet, it remained stubbornly droopy, its leaves slowly turning a sickly shade of yellow. One day, at the peak of my frustration, I declared, “That’s it! You’re on your own!” I banished the plant to a forgotten corner, vowing to let nature take its course.

    Imagine my surprise when, a few weeks later, I stumbled upon the “neglected” peace lily looking positively radiant. Its leaves were a vibrant green, and it even boasted a brand-new shoot! Apparently, my constant fussing had been suffocating the poor thing. Sometimes, a little tough love is all we need to thrive, both in the plant world and in life.

  • 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 Little Green Guru

    I’ll admit it: I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, I’m pretty sure I could kill a cactus in a desert. So when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant, I accepted it with a grimace disguised as gratitude. “Don’t worry,” she chirped, “it’s practically unkillable!” Famous last words.

    Little did I know, this seemingly innocent houseplant would become my unlikely life coach, dispensing wisdom in between bouts of dramatic wilting and unexpected growth spurts. Who knew a being that communicates primarily through the subtle art of leaf droop could teach me so much?

    Lesson #1: Patience is Key to Plant Parenting (and Life)

    My first lesson came in the form of overwatering. I, in my infinite wisdom, assumed that more water equals more happiness. Turns out, plants aren’t huge fans of drowning their sorrows (or their roots, for that matter). My poor houseplant quickly transformed into a droopy, yellowing mess.

  • 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 Less Brown

    Let’s be honest, I’m about as far from a “plant person” as you can get. My idea of gardening is choosing the least wilted lettuce at the grocery store. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant—a supposedly “easy to care for” ZZ plant—I accepted with a smile that hid my internal panic.

    Little did I know, this leafy green roommate would soon become my unlikely life coach, teaching me valuable lessons I never saw coming (much like the time I forgot to water it for three weeks, but we don’t talk about that).

    Lesson #1: Plant Resilience Is More Than Just a Buzzword

    After a particularly scorching summer week (read: I forgot to close the blinds), I came home to my ZZ plant looking like it had just lost a fight with a hairdryer. Leaves drooped, stems wilted, it was a picture of plant despair. I was convinced this was the end.

    Yet, after a little TLC (and a desperate Google search on “how to revive a dying plant”), my little buddy bounced back. It was a powerful reminder that even after a major setback, a little resilience (and maybe some extra water) can go a long way. Turns out, the same applies to life’s curveballs, too.

  • 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


    We’ve all heard the saying, “Stop and smell the roses.” But what about, “Stop and appreciate the… uh… Ficus?” Yeah, doesn’t have the same ring to it. But hear me out! My journey to becoming a plant parent has been full of unexpected twists, turns, and, dare I say, wisdom.

    My Brown Thumb Redemption Arc

    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 smile and a silent prayer for the poor thing. I named him Percy (because, you know, peace lily… get it?), and I was determined to prove my brown thumb wrong.

    Percy looking like he was drowning in his pot. It was a whole thing.

    Lesson #1: Sometimes, Less is More (With Houseplants and Life)

    Through trial and error (mostly error, let’s be honest), I learned that Percy thrived on neglect. Okay, not neglect, but definitely a more hands-off approach than I was giving him. It turned out that my constant fussing and overwatering were doing more harm than good. Who knew?

    Turns out, this lesson translates to real life too. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves (and our loved ones) is to take a step back, give ourselves some space, and avoid drowning them in our anxieties. Deep, right? All thanks to Percy the Peace Lily.

    Lesson #2: Embracing the Subtle Growth of Your Houseplant (and Yourself)

    One day, I was about to give up on Percy altogether. He just wasn’t looking so hot. But then, I noticed something amazing. A tiny, little sprout emerging from the soil. It was small, almost insignificant, but it was there. Percy was growing!

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from Playing Board Games

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned from Playing Board Games



    From Monopoly Meltdowns to Catan Conundrums: Discovering Life Lessons

    Remember family game nights? The smell of popcorn, the faint hope of victory quickly fading as your sibling “accidentally” moved your game piece…again? Yeah, me too. While those nights might be associated with childhood memories (and maybe some mild trauma), I’ve come to realize that board games offer some surprisingly profound life lessons, even for us “grown-ups.”

    Life‘s Unpredictability

    Ah, Settlers of Catan, a game that taught me more about the fickle hand of fate than I ever cared to know! I’ve had games where I built a sheep-fueled empire, and others where the robber camped on my wheat field for what felt like an eternity. The point is, board games, much like life, involve an element of chance. You can strategize, plan, and even cheat (just kidding… mostly), but sometimes, the dice just don’t cooperate. And you know what? That’s okay. Learning to adapt to unexpected situations and finding ways to make the best of a less-than-ideal hand is a valuable skill, both on and off the game board.

    Lesson 2: The Art of Healthy Competition: Playing Fair and Winning Gracefully

    Confession time: I’m a terribly sore loser. Like, hide-the-Monopoly-money-so-no-one-can-win sore loser. But over the years, I’ve (somewhat) mellowed. I’ve learned that a little healthy competition is fun, and that winning is definitely more satisfying when you’ve earned it fair and square. However, there’s a fine line between strategic play and being a jerk. Gloating over a particularly ruthless move or constantly reminding everyone else how far behind they are is never a good look. Be a gracious winner, a good sport in defeat, and remember, it’s just a game! (Unless it’s Monopoly. Then all bets are off.)

  • How to Create a Killer Morning Routine (Without Waking Up at 5am!)

    How to Create a Killer Morning Routine (Without Waking Up at 5am!)






    Introduction

    We’ve all heard it: “Win the morning, win the day!”. A successful morning routine is touted as the key to productivity, reduced stress, and overall well-being. But what if you’re not a morning person? Does that mean you’re doomed to a life of playing catch-up?

    Absolutely not! You don’t need to force yourself into an unrealistic 5am wake-up call to have a productive and positive start to your day. This article will show you how to create a killer morning routine that works for you, no matter what time you peel yourself out of bed.

    Understanding Your Ideal Morning Routine

    Before diving into specific routines, it’s crucial to identify what works best for your lifestyle and preferences.

    1. Determine Your Chronotype

    Are you a night owl or an early bird? Our bodies have natural sleep-wake cycles called chronotypes. Understanding yours can help you determine the optimal time to wake up and schedule activities for maximum productivity.

    2. Identify Your Non-Negotiables

    What are the absolute must-dos that set you up for a good day? This could be anything from a cup of coffee to a quick workout. Having 2-3 non-negotiables ensures consistency, even on busy mornings.

    • Example: If exercise is important to you, but you struggle to find time later in the day, a 15-minute morning yoga session could be your non-negotiable.

    3. Start Small and Build Gradually

    Don’t try to overhaul your entire routine overnight. Start with one or two small changes and gradually incorporate more as you adjust. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a sustainable morning routine.

    Building Your Killer Morning Routine: Actionable Steps

    Now that you have a better understanding of your needs, let’s build a morning routine that sets you up for success:

    1. Wake Up with Intention (and Natural Light)

    • Ditch the snooze button! Hitting snooze disrupts your sleep cycle and leaves you feeling groggy.
    • Open your curtains or blinds immediately upon waking. Natural light signals to your body that it’s time to wake up, boosting energy levels naturally.

    2. Hydrate and Fuel Your Body

    • Drink a large glass of water upon waking to rehydrate after sleep.
    • Don’t skip breakfast! Even if it’s something small, fueling your body is essential for energy and focus.
    a person meditating peacefully in their living room
  • 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.