If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living. Gail Sheehy

I am always amazed in the spring when plants that seemingly are faced with every adversity: cold, strangling weeds, neglect, drought, continue to sprout up in places that, for them, have optimal conditions for life.  The survival instinct to grow is very intelligent…

It made me think about our own natural instinct to grow, and what gets in the way. How do we know when growth is wanting to happen? We feel pain, fear, frustration, and often then go back into our soil to hibernate. Growth lies outside the safety of the comfort zone. We are programmed to be safe and fear change for many reasons, but this programming also inhibits us as we feel danger, when it’s only an invitation to expand. Don’t mistake a stick for a snake.

We also need space to grow. Many great artists, writers and innovators like Steve Jobs understood the necessity of creating the right conditions to grow, produce, and follow their passions.

Ok, over to you… where do you need more space in your life to grow? Where can you pull out the weeds that are suffocating you (certain people who drain you, negative thoughts, boundaries that need to be set, emotions that need to be expressed) and plant flowers that can grow (better-feeling thoughts, gratitude, activities you love, focusing on meaningful relationships, where can you love more?/who can you appreciate)?

Choose one area and start today. Go easy, this is all a practice. What can you let go of right now, and what can you add to your garden that will feel better? Commit to that. Please.

Oh, but all this talk about living your best life can get so serious, move towards what is fun, and remember….

 

“Life isn’t as serious as the mind makes it out to be”

Eckhart Tolle

Have a great week,

Madeleine