I had a total epiphany when I typed this title. Maybe I can’t grow plants because I’m afraid to grow as a person!!! This could be symbolic of my entire existence!!

Eh. Probably not.

I take growth very seriously. But my ability to kill plants is known across the land. EXAMPLE: My stepmom came by the house this one time. Seeing a bunch of healthy houseplants she looked at me, tipped her head and said, “I’m assuming your boyfriend must take care of these?”

I had no response other than to laugh.

I love houseplants, don’t get me wrong. For years I would buy plants but they always died. I’m just not good at keeping in touch with them. There’s a few outdoor areas I have under control, including a tiny round bed of snapdragons and a row of asiatic lilies in the back that do just fine despite me.

Did you catch what I said there? THEY DO JUST FINE DESPITE ME. This doesn’t mean that I don’t do anything to help these flowers thrive, but more that these particular flowers do well with what I have to offer as a flower caregiver.

So the parallel here is this: Are you trying to grow in an area that works with WHO YOU ARE and WHAT YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT? You can try all day long to teach a non-people-person to be a social butterfly, but it’s never going to really feel right for that person.

I think we all need to spend a little more time thinking about who we are, and what we care about. Things that don’t fit shouldn’t be a high priority for us.

A little focus goes a long way.