3 Layers of Growth: How to See Your Life Like A Plant

You are always evolving

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ― Anais Nin

Here in the Northern hemisphere, we are coming upon spring, a season of growth. After a dark, cloudy, rainy winter, we are emerging. On my 100-day journey exploring abundance, spring is showing me the overflow of nature.

As the plants rise from the Earth, so are we rising to the occasion.

I can feel the changes in my life and the changes in the world. It feels as if things are improving every day. Just as plants are revealing soft, green leaves from underneath the darkness, we are growing.

Yesterday while on my daily walk in the garden, I came upon two pots on our deck. I was admiring the daffodils blooming in one of the containers when I noticed something new.

Just below the surface of withering leaves and layers of windswept leaves, I saw brand new growth.

It was a succulent that I left outside. I was delighted to see this plant springing back to life, and I freed it from the debris and trimmed back its branches.

This plant reminded me of the growth we all go through in life. Today I share with you three lessons we can take away from this plant.

Allow Yourself Downtime:

Just as winter is a time for perennial plants to gain strength, downtime for us is a time to reflect and renew our passion and creativity.

There is a powerful place for daily practice, however breaking routine every once in a while to rest, contemplate and gain strength is necessary.

This plant gained nutrients from the leaves that fell on it.

By allowing life to flow from time to time, we can gain insights about life and grow from them.

It is the reason why every time I finish a 100-day writing project- I take a week off. Sometimes I fear doing this. However, I have learned over time that I grow the most during this week.

I encourage you to find some time for yourself. See if you can schedule a break and see how your creativity grows.

How can you schedule some downtime and create a time of growth for yourself?

Trim Away the Old:

Often there are old ideas, habits, or things stunting our growth.

Like the dead branches on this plant, and the leaves covering it, we can remove all of these things and find new ways to move forward.

For nearly a year, I wrote at our dining room table. Little did I know that this environment was distracting me more than I knew.

On my third day working in our upstairs office, I can see how trimming away the old distraction is beneficial. I feel more productive here and have written some of my best pieces so far.

In this room, I have removed everything from my view that is not necessary for work. It creates a base for my creativity and allows me to grow as a writer.

I am also coming up against an old idea about myself. I know I need to trim it away. I am part of an abundance group. So far, I have participated in the assignments and activities. However, I have felt resistance to being on the group calls.

It is time to get out my pruning shears and cut off the belief that I cannot speak on a call. That is an old belief that I can set free.

How can you trim away old ideas, habits, or things from your life to allow more growth?

Emerge with New Energy:

When you create downtime and trim away what is not serving you in your life, you will flourish.

This third layer of growth allows you to expand and reach out towards your dreams. You have gathered nutrients, sunlight and are ready to soar towards the sky.

During this time, you are at your most creative. Your ideas flow, and you are ready to share your best with the world.

Like a plant in spring and summer, new leaves emerge, and flowers burst forth. You feel as if you were waiting your whole life to become this person. It is exciting, refreshing, and exhilarating.

Because you took the time to allow yourself to be and trim away things that were not working for you, you are ready to take on anything.

Much like a plant that is made it through winter, gaining momentum by growing its root system, gaining strength by having its branches trimmed by the faithful gardener, and emerging once again in spring, you are ready.

How are you emerging into a new life with your creativity?

My prayer for you today is for you to allow your growth to happen. You are ready for your wave of expansion right now. I cannot wait to see what is in store for you. It’s going to be epic!

Day #94: How will you prepare for more growth this year?

I am tagging some amazing fellow writers on this journey. They joined me on my 100-day spiritual journey, and it is an honor to have them here on this journey.

I ask that you read their beautiful work here on Medium. Thank you for your generosity!

Bob Jasper, Charlotte Zobeir Ali, Amy Marley, Jenine Bsharah Baines, Vishnu*s Virtues, Annick Batamuliza, Lanu Pitan, Neha Sandhir S, Rasheed Hooda, Gurpreet Dhariwal, Aurora Eliam, CMP, Terry Mansfield, Tree Langdon, Henery X, Nihan Kucukural, Sherry S, Annelise Lords, Cocoa Griot, Desiree Driesenaar, Dr. John Rose, Noma Dek, Tony Young, Jr., Joe Luca, Melissa Bee, and many more! Thank you!

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