5 Ways to Tend Your Growth Garden

Definition of Growth:

noun

the process of developing or maturing physically, mentally, or spiritually

These past 15 years, growth has looked different each year. At first, it was the hardest thing to start and maintain and now I find it a necessary part of living. Mental growth almost reminded me of the physical pain of physical growth. As a teenager, I remember having body aches, always being hungry no matter how much I ate, and don’t forget as a girl experiencing a period for the first time. To top it all off, you add more hormones and acne to the mix it seemed like a disaster that would never end. 

Think of growth as building and maintaining a garden.

Now, for me mentally, I just didn’t think I could get out of a state of anger, pain, and disappointment. These were the main feelings I felt towards myself because I very much blamed myself constantly for my assault. I didn’t trust my thoughts, my actions, and any of my positive feelings. It took me over 5 years to get comfortable with growth and it was a very slow growth. I was going to therapy, but I didn’t believe I could change. It seemed like I was making the same mistakes but never could identify how I was ending up in the same situation. It wasn’t until a bad (but necessary) breakup in my junior in college did I make a conscious effort to lean into growing and changing my outlook and life. 

As I started to become comfortable with change and growth, it became a lot easier to lean into it. A great way to think of growth is to think of building and maintaining a garden. Here are the 5 ways I tend my growth Garden.

1. Make sure it has enough water – water essential for all your seeds to grow, so make sure you are pouring good into you
2. Always pull up the weeds – they may sometimes look beautiful but they are only going to spread negativity in your life. Identify them and pluck them out 
3. Don’t overcrowd – putting seeds too close together can prohibit one or both not sprouting. Sometimes it can be easier to focus on one area of growth first before bringing in other areas
4. Cross-pollination doesn’t hurt – sometimes growth in one area can affect another. It is okay if one area does affect another in a positive way
5. Sunshine is a key ingredient – not only do you need to pour into yourself but you need positive outside influences and a true support system. Don’t forget to ask for help as much as you need especially during times of reflection

Don’t ever forget about your garden and leap to start to grow it.