Let’s go back to the “bloom where you are planted” bit I mentioned a few days ago…
Flowers and trees can’t bloom all the time. They cycle between rest and growth, rest and growth, year after year. They know instinctively when to grow and when to conserve.
In winter, the tree rests, storing up energy for what is to come. When Spring signals, it sends out tentative shoots, as if to test the timing. A winter storm comes and surprises them. The shoots die and the tree withdraws. It waits for warmer weather and sends out another round of new growth. This time, the sun greets the shoots and bright new green growth begins.
Sun and water, water and sun, and the leaves turn darker as the weeks pass. And then buds appear, the first sign that flowers will soon follow. The buds grow slowly, until one day, the blossom appears, and it is glorious.
Some days, I am energetic and I get a lot of things done. Other days, like today, I don’t. Today, I woke up sleepy and had two short naps before noon. I simply couldn’t stay awake. Maybe I overdid it yesterday (although I don’t see how!) Or maybe my brain needed a day of rest before something new blooms tomorrow or the next day. I’m learning to let myself have days of rest when needed.
Yes, I’m definitely learning from the trees.
Some things happen for a reason,
Others just come with the season.
Lovely magnolia. Lovely philosophy. ❤️
Thank you for this! I find myself comforted to hear that others experience the waxing and waning of energy and productivity, but also to show self compassion about the days that are off. I am learning to allow myself baby steps and to find fulfillment with the small stuff. Your analogy to the natural world makes sense and gives me hope.