Blogs

Room to Grow

While renovating a flower garden recently, I reflected on how similar our needs as human beings are to plants and the creative process.

What do we need to grow? We all need the basics, right? Food, water, love, experiences, and nurturing. But what about sunshine, air, or just room to grow?  

As a writer, I know I need room to grow.

When I feel stuck or stagnant, ideas aren’t flowing, I go outside. Nature is where I find peace. There’s harmony in nature because nature gives itself room to grow to continue to thrive. Sometimes, I treat myself to a date at a bookstore, a nature walk, or a new restaurant. When I do, my mind and spirit are open to possibilities and growth.   

While renovating my flower garden, I realized it had become choked with day lilies. I love flowers, but these daylilies had taken over to the point  where no other plants could thrive.  So I posted on social media about “free plants” and asking for people to bring their own shovels and buckets. The response was overwhelming. The people who came were so gracious to receive something for free. I was grateful to have my once-choked garden filled with day lilies cleared for a new start. These strangers with a passion for gardening helped me find room to grow that I wasn’t expecting;  a community who comes together opens our hearts that much more.

Once most of the daylilies were cleared, like clearing out unnecessary words in a story, my garden began to take shape. I knew the parameters for the kind of flowers I wanted, what they needed to thrive, but I didn’t know how it was all going to all come together. It’s an adventure to wake up every day to see where a dream is taking me! And yes, I encountered a few roadblocks along the way. After I planted three rose bushes and a few perennials, I noticed one morning that chipmunks or rabbits had eaten all the leaves! I was not happy. I did some research on how to keep them away from my garden like, red hot pepper water, lavender, or shavings of Irish Spring Soap.   

Today, I believe the rabbits, chipmunks, and I have an understanding. I provide shade for them when it’s hot and a safe haven from predators, in return my hope is they leave the plants alone. There will always be obstacles if we’re pursuing something that matters. The key is to keep going, make the best of it, and stay positive. Whatever you are pursuing, be patient, stay the course, and don’t forget to give yourself room to grow.

The best part about this garden project is the joy of knowing my daylilies are sprinkled around my community bringing joy and beauty. The journey often gives us the opportunity to grow even when we don’t realize it.

Please let me know about any projects you’re working on that brings you on a journey and how you’re finding room to grow!