The Dandelion

Dancing in my secret wildflower garden

Like wildflowers, you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would.” — — E.V. Rogina

I would change only one word within this quote. Rather than people, I would change it to I. Like wildflowers, you must allow yourself to grow in all the places I thought you never would”

The quiet introvert, often misconceived as shy, is a mistaken identity. Underneath that exterior, I am dancing with my wildflowered heart. The wildflowers grow wild and free in my secret garden. It allows me to grow in all the places ”I” thought I never would.

Beautiful wildflowers grow without human aid; they spring up with the light of the sun, covering vast open spaces of hillsides, flatlands, and mountains. They represent freedom. They rely on no one but themselves and nature. However, some view them as weeds growing where they are not wanted.

My secret garden is full of dandelions. These gems are regarded more like weeds than wildflowers, yet their value, often overlooked, is only discovered once you know about them.

Dandelions are magical finds for children -the one flower they can pick without getting scolded. Once the yellow dies off, they become a symbol for making wishes. It is often the 1st flower gift given in love to a treasured adult from a small child — pure living in the moment from the vantage point of a child.

The meaning of the word dandelion is “tooth of the lion.” Derived from the jagged edges of their leaves, they roar with survival in the harshest environments. Survival of the fittest. Amidst the title of an unwanted weed or annoyance in the perfection of a lawn. Dandelions also have medicinal powers of healing when appropriately prepared.

As I continue dancing with my wildflowered heart, it brings me to a place of centered balance. With my childlike wonder in place, I continue to “grow like a weed” in my secret garden of freedom from the naysayers of my magical healing powers within. Wild, free, and the beauty I can see is my music. Yes, my secret garden is full of dandelions and a vast array of wildflowers to paint the picture of my future — the place I can dance like no one is watching. I am a dandelion in the sea of perfectly cultured lawn. I like that.

This post is in response to Wild and Wondrous Monday prompt — Write a piece using the words “dancing with my wildflowered heart”.