Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: personal growth

  • 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 Brown Thumb Turns Green (Sort Of)

    Let’s be honest, my thumbs have historically resembled more of a barren wasteland than a lush garden. I’m that person who could kill a cactus with a single, well-intentioned glance. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant – a supposedly “unkillable” ZZ plant – I accepted with a healthy dose of skepticism and a silent prayer for the poor thing.

    Little did I know, this plant, which I creatively christened “Zephyr,” would become my unlikely life coach, teaching me valuable lessons through its silent, leafy existence. Who knew such wisdom could sprout from a terracotta pot?

    Lesson #1: Patience is More Than a Virtue, It’s a Watering Schedule

    My first blunder? Overwatering. I showered Zephyr with affection (and probably enough water to last a month) on a daily basis. I mean, water equals life, right? Wrong! Turns out, even low-maintenance plants have their limits. Zephyr started to droop, its once-vibrant leaves turning a sickly shade of yellow.

    Zephyr with love (and H2O) every five minutes.

    Lesson #2: Even in Dark Corners, Growth is Possible

    Life got busy. I moved apartments, started a new job, and Zephyr, well, let’s just say he wasn’t exactly top of mind. I relegated him to a dark corner, my guilt growing with every passing week. When I finally remembered my neglected friend, I was sure I’d find a withered husk.

    To my utter astonishment, Zephyr was thriving! Not only had he survived my neglect, he’d sprouted new growth, reaching towards the sliver of sunlight peeking through the blinds.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Lost Luggage Incident

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Lost Luggage Incident




    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Lost Luggage Incident


    We’ve all been there. Standing anxiously by the baggage carousel, watching fellow passengers reclaim their belongings one by one. The crowd thins, the conveyor belt slows to a stop, and…panic sets in. My suitcase – containing all my carefully curated outfits for a two-week European adventure – was officially AWOL.

    Lost Luggage, Found Perspective?

    My initial reaction? Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. I pictured myself navigating the cobblestone streets of Paris in the same clothes I’d worn on the plane – a wrinkled t-shirt and decidedly un-chic yoga pants.

    Unexpected (And Pack Snacks!)

    Traveling without my trusty suitcase forced me to loosen my grip on my itinerary and be open to spontaneity. I stumbled upon hidden cafes, chatted with locals, and discovered the simple joy of getting wonderfully, gloriously lost. It also taught me the importance of being prepared for anything. From that day forward, my carry-on became a Mary Poppins bag of essentials, including snacks. Lots and lots of snacks.

    Lost Luggage Woes?

    So, tell me, dear readers, have you ever experienced the “joy” of lost luggage? What unexpected life lessons did you learn along the way? Share your stories in the comments below!


  • The Unexpected Joy of Missing My Train (And What I Learned Instead)

    The Unexpected Joy of Missing My Train (And What I Learned Instead)




    The Unexpected Joy of Missing My Train (And What I Learned Instead)


    We’ve all been there. Standing on the platform, watching our train pull away as we frantically pat our pockets for a nonexistent time-turner. Just last week, I joined the ranks of the tragically-late commuters. But what started as a travel nightmare turned into a surprisingly delightful day. Here’s the story of how missing my train opened my eyes (and my stomach) to unexpected joys.

    The Great Coffee Caper of Platform 4

    Picture this: me, sprinting through the station like a caffeinated cheetah, only to arrive at the platform just as the doors slide shut with a mocking hiss. My stomach, already grumbling from a missed breakfast, chose that moment to unleash a growl that could rival a T-Rex. Defeated, I slumped onto a bench, the weight of my missed meeting settling on my shoulders like a soggy backpack.

    coffee shop tucked away in the corner of the station.

    Unexpected Encounters: The Kindness of Strangers

    Now, I’m usually a “grab-and-go” kind of coffee drinker, but the cozy atmosphere of this place drew me in. I ordered a latte and a blueberry scone the size of my head (hey, I was emotionally compromised!), and found myself chatting with the barista, a friendly woman with a contagious laugh. She told me about her dreams of opening a bakery, and I shared my own aspirations as a writer. It was a small, everyday conversation, but it filled me with a warmth I hadn’t realized I was missing.

    And the kindness didn’t stop there. As I was leaving the coffee shop, a kind gentleman noticed me struggling with my suitcase and offered to help me carry it down the stairs. We got to talking, and it turned out he was a retired history professor with the most fascinating stories about the city. He pointed out hidden architectural details I’d never noticed before, and by the time I reached my destination (a charming bookstore I’d never have discovered otherwise), I felt like I’d been on a mini-adventure.

    Finding Joy in the Journey: The Beauty of Slowing Down

    Missing my train forced me to slow down, to be present in the moment, and to appreciate the small joys I usually rush past. It reminded me that sometimes, the unexpected detours in life can lead to the most rewarding destinations.

  • The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    The Unexpected Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    My Thumb Isn’t So Green

    Okay, let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my gardening prowess. In fact, my idea of “communing with nature” involves admiring the perfectly manicured lawns of my neighbors from the comfort of my air-conditioned living room. So, when my well-intentioned friend gifted me a houseplant for my birthday, I accepted it with a smile…and a healthy dose of apprehension.

    This wasn’t just any houseplant, mind you. This was a delicate, leafy creature with a Latin name I couldn’t pronounce and care instructions longer than my grocery list. I’m pretty sure my friend even winked and said something about “seeing if I could keep something alive for once.” Challenge accepted, I thought, little realizing the profound impact this little pot of chlorophyll would have on my life.

    plant, bless its heart, responded with a series of dramatic wilts, drooping leaves, and suspicious brown spots.

    Just when I was about to toss in the trowel (figuratively, of course, because I’m not sure I even own a trowel), I had an epiphany: Google! Turns out, there’s an entire online community dedicated to keeping houseplants alive, complete with forums, blog posts, and even YouTube tutorials. Imagine that!

    Armed with newfound knowledge and a healthy dose of humility, I adjusted my approach. I learned about proper drainage, the importance of sunlight (who knew?), and the delicate art of fertilizing. Slowly but surely, my plant started to thrive. It even sprouted a new leaf, which I may or may not have teared up over.

    This seemingly insignificant victory taught me a valuable lesson about patience. Just like nurturing a plant takes time and consistent effort, so too does achieving our goals in life. It’s about taking small steps, learning from our mistakes, and never giving up hope, even when things seem bleak.

    Lesson #2: Even the Strongest Need Support

    As my plant grew taller and more vibrant, I noticed something interesting. Its stems, once sturdy and upright, were starting to lean towards the sunlight. It seemed my little green friend needed a little help staying upright.

    Enter the humble plant stake. With a little bit of support, my plant was able to stand tall and reach its full potential. It was a simple act, but it got me thinking about the importance of support in our own lives.

    We all need people in our corner, cheering us on, offering a helping hand, or simply lending an ear when things get tough. Whether it’s our family, friends, mentors, or even a supportive online community, having a strong support system can make all the difference in the world.

  • 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 Went From Black to…Less Black?

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my nurturing abilities. I once killed a cactus. A CACTUS. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a peace lily for my birthday, I accepted it with the same enthusiasm one might have for a tax audit. I figured it was only a matter of time before I added “plant murderer” to my list of questionable talents.

    plant’s persistent perkiness, or maybe I was just tired of watching succulents spontaneously combust in my care, but I decided to actually try this whole “keeping something alive” thing.

    Lesson #1: Resilience Is About More Than Just Bouncing Back

    Turns out, peace lilies are pretty dramatic. Forget to water them for a few days? They wilt like a heartbroken teenager. Give them a little H2O? BAM! Back to life, good as new. This cycle repeated itself several times (okay, maybe more than several) before it finally sunk in: even after a major droop, a little TLC goes a long way.

    Who knew this applied to more than just thirsty flora? We all have those “wilting” moments, those times when we feel like we’re running on empty. But just like my little green roommate, we’re capable of bouncing back. Sometimes, all it takes is recognizing what we need (a good night’s sleep, a vent session with a friend, a whole pizza eaten in one sitting…no judgment here) and giving ourselves permission to recharge.

    Lesson #2: Embracing Imperfect Growth in Ourselves and Our Plants

    Remember how I said I’m not exactly a natural in the plant-parent department? Yeah, well, that learning curve was steep. There was accidental overwatering (RIP, bottom leaves), a near-death experience involving a heat vent, and let’s not even talk about the Great Repotting Fiasco of 2023.

    But through it all, my little plant persevered. It sprouted new leaves (some a little wonky, but hey, nobody’s perfect), and even—dare I say it—thrived. It was a messy, chaotic journey, but with each new leaf, I learned to embrace the process, imperfections and all.

  • 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 Hilarious Descent into Plant Parenthood

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my previous attempts at nurturing plant life could be politely described as “optimistic” with outcomes ranging from “wilted disappointment” to “crispy oblivion.” So, when a friend gifted me a peace lily, my initial reaction was a healthy mix of delight and terror. This beautiful, leafy creature was now my responsibility, and I was determined not to add it to my plant graveyard.

    Plant Parents)

    One of the first things I learned was that plants, unlike my demanding inbox, operate on their own schedule. This realization hit me, quite literally, when my peace lily started to dramatically droop a week after I brought it home. Panicked, I frantically Googled “droopy peace lily” and discovered the culprit: dehydration. Turns out, even the most low-maintenance plants need a little H2O every now and then. Who knew?

    After a thorough watering (and a silent apology), I watched in amazement as the leaves slowly perked back up, seemingly forgiving my forgetfulness. It was a powerful reminder that patience, both with ourselves and others, can work wonders.

    Lesson #2: Embracing Growth (and the Messy Process of Repotting)

    As weeks turned into months, my peace lily thrived. It sprouted new leaves, each one a tiny victory in my journey as a plant parent. But then came the inevitable: repotting. The very idea filled me with dread. What if I damaged the roots? What if it hated its new home? Yet again, I consulted the all-knowing Google and discovered that sometimes, a little “tough love” is necessary for growth.

    Armed with a larger pot, fresh soil, and a surprising amount of determination, I successfully repotted my peace lily. It wasn’t pretty (I may or may not have gotten dirt everywhere), but we both survived. Seeing my little plant adapt and thrive in its new environment taught me that embracing challenges, even the messy ones, can lead to incredible growth and resilience.

  • 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 Brown Thumb Gets a Green Roommate

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, my thumbs are more of a “wilted brown” when it comes to keeping plants alive. So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a sprightly peace lily, I accepted it with a mixture of cautious optimism and impending doom. I named him Percy (because, obviously) and placed him on my windowsill, bracing myself for the inevitable plant funeral.

    Percy and I got off to a rocky start. I overwatered him, underwatered him, and even managed to scorch a few of his leaves with too much direct sunlight. He was drooping, browning, and frankly, looked ready to give up the ghost. Feeling like a plant-murderer in the making, I was ready to toss him in the compost bin. But then, a glimmer of hope appeared. A single, tiny leaf unfurled, a vibrant green beacon against the brown.

    Something shifted within me. If Percy could rally after my less-than-stellar care, couldn’t I do the same in my own life? We all have moments where we feel wilted and defeated, but Percy reminded me that even in the face of adversity, the potential for growth and renewal remains. From then on, I vowed to be more attentive to Percy’s needs (and downloaded a plant care app—no shame!).

    Lesson #2: Patience: A Plant’s Pace of Growth

    As Percy slowly began to recover, I found myself impatiently waiting for him to flourish. I wanted to see lush leaves, vibrant blooms, the whole shebang! But Percy, in his infinite wisdom, had other plans. He took his sweet, green time. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and still, there were no dramatic transformations.

    Then, one morning, while watering him (on schedule, thanks to my app!), I noticed something magical. A single, elegant bloom had emerged, its white spathe unfurling like a delicate flag of victory. It was a subtle change, easily missed if I wasn’t paying attention. And that was the lesson. Real growth, true transformation, rarely happens overnight. It’s the small, incremental changes, the subtle shifts in perspective and effort, that ultimately lead to the most beautiful outcomes.

  • The Joy of Missing Out (And Why You Might Love It Too)

    The Joy of Missing Out (And Why You Might Love It Too)

    missing-out –>The Joy of Missing Out (And Why You Might Love It Too)

    From FOMO to “Namaste in My Pajamas“

    Remember that time everyone went to that thing and posted about it endlessly on social media? Yeah, I stayed home. In my pajamas. With a cup of tea and a good book. And you know what? It was glorious.

    For years, I was the queen of FOMO. Fear of Missing Out ruled my life. If everyone was doing it, I had to be there. Concert on a Tuesday? Present! Three-hour brunch with questionable eggs benedict? Count me in! This led to a lot of late nights, questionable life choices, and a constant feeling of being utterly exhausted.

    time was my own, and I could choose to spend it however I pleased.

    Embracing My Inner Homebody (Without Apology)

    Since then, I’ve been on a mission to embrace JOMO, and let me tell you, it’s been life-changing. Here are a few unexpected benefits I’ve experienced:

    • Decreased anxiety and stress: No more frantic rushing, last-minute outfit changes, or social exhaustion. JOMO means saying “yes” to peace and quiet.
    • Increased productivity and creativity: Remember all that time I wasted feeling jealous of other people’s curated lives? I now channel that energy into pursuing my own passions and hobbies.
    • Deeper connections with loved ones: Instead of shallow interactions at crowded events, I now prioritize quality time with people I genuinely care about.
  • 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

    From Brown Thumb to Budding Botanist (Sort Of)

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, I’m pretty sure I could kill a cactus with kindness (and maybe a little too much water). So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a houseplant for my birthday, I accepted it with a mix of gratitude and trepidation. “Don’t worry,” she chirped, “this one’s practically indestructible!” Famous last words, right?

    To my surprise, not only did the plant survive my initial attempts at care, but it actually thrived! Turns out, even a black thumb like me can learn a thing or two about keeping something green alive. But here’s the kicker: this little pot of chlorophyll didn’t just teach me about horticulture, it imparted some surprisingly profound life lessons along the way.

    Lesson #1: Patience is a Virtue (and So Is Google)

    My first challenge? Figuring out what the heck this plant even was. Turns out, “Philodendron” wasn’t just a made-up word from a Dr. Seuss book. Armed with this newfound knowledge (thanks, Google!), I embarked on a crash course in plant parenting. I learned that overwatering is a thing (who knew?), that direct sunlight isn’t always a plant’s best friend, and that sometimes, you just gotta let your green buddy chill.

    life, patience is key when nurturing growth. There were no overnight miracles, no instant gratification. But slowly, steadily, I started to notice new leaves unfurling, reaching towards the light. It was a subtle reminder that the best things in life often take time, and a little bit of patience can go a long way.

    Lesson #2: Embrace the Imperfections

    Now, let’s be real, my plant journey wasn’t all sunshine and blooming roses. There were some casualties along the way – a few yellowing leaves here, a drooping stem there. I learned to accept that imperfections are part of the process, both in plant care and in life. Not every leaf will be perfectly formed, just like not every day will be perfect.

    In fact, those imperfections often add character and tell a story. That slightly scarred leaf? A testament to my cat’s misguided attempt at making friends. The slightly crooked stem? A reminder that even when things get a bit off track, life finds a way to adjust and keep growing.

    Lesson #3: Celebrate the Small Wins (and the New Growth)

    One of the most rewarding parts of this whole plant parenting experience has been witnessing the small victories. The thrill of spotting a new leaf unfurling, the quiet satisfaction of seeing my once-droopy plant stand tall and proud – these little wins have brought me an unexpected amount of joy.

  • The Surprisingly Deep Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant

    The Surprisingly Deep Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant




    The Surprisingly Deep Life Lessons I Learned From a Houseplant


    My Thumb Is More of a… Celery Stalk?

    Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly known for my green thumb. In fact, I’m pretty sure my houseplants tremble in fear when I approach with a watering can. It’s a tragic tale involving several deceased succulents, a droopy fern, and one very dramatic peace lily (R.I.P., Steve).

    So, when my well-meaning friend gifted me a tiny, cheerful pot of what I think was an ivy (don’t judge!), I was skeptical. Could I actually keep this miniature life form alive? The odds weren’t exactly in my favor. Little did I know, this plant would do more than just survive; it would thrive. And in the process, it would teach me some unexpectedly profound lessons about life.

    Life

    As it turns out, keeping a plant alive isn’t rocket science. (Who knew?) My biggest mistake? Overwatering. I was basically drowning the poor thing in my misguided attempts to show it love.

    Once I learned to chill out on the H2O and let my little buddy soak up some rays by the window, it was like magic. New leaves unfurled, the stems grew stronger, and it basically transformed into a mini jungle before my very eyes.

    This got me thinking: how often do we do the same thing in our own lives? We overthink, overanalyze, and generally overcomplicate things that are actually quite simple. Sometimes, all we need is the metaphorical equivalent of sunshine and water— a little self-care, some positive energy, and the courage to let things grow at their own pace.

    Lesson #2: Finding Joy in the Small Things (Like Houseplants)

    Confession: I may have developed a bit of an emotional attachment to this plant. I catch myself talking to it (don’t judge!), celebrating its new growth, and feeling a ridiculous sense of pride when someone compliments its lushness.

    It’s amazing how much joy this tiny living thing brings into my life. It’s a reminder that happiness can be found in the simplest of things, even in the quiet moments of tending to something other than myself.