Gardens Don't End at the Lawn
A garden: a small piece of ground used to grow vegetables, fruit, herbs, or flowers.
What if the garden within us is cultivated just the same?
It is something I am wrestling with today personally, and this is written to myself and others who desire to make a change for the better. I prefer to see more vibrant colors, unique flowers growing, and the feels when you walk through my garden to be inspirational.
Start with a solid foundation/location.
What does that look like within you?
Self-talk is a real thing. What are the words used within to encourage YOU first?
Positive, Negative, Doubtful, Sinful, Guilted, Grief-ridden?
How can you improve upon that? i.e., Search for WHO YOU WANT TO BE. With that comes fantastic self-talk.
Proper soil.
What does that look like within you?
Is it packed like clay? Can nothing get through?
Is it sandy and dry? Everything gets by you, and you get worked up?
Compost-like and smelly? Nothing seems to go right, and it feels gross.
How can you improve upon that? i.e., Meditation, Yoga, Workout
Proper tools.
What are you taking in that harms you or builds you up?
Sugar, Carbs, Substances, Sinful Desires?
How can you improve upon that? i.e., Find a group that encourages change or difference. Do make time for those things. Don't buy those things. Each choice each day is yours to make.
Proper fertilizer.
Calm? Anxious? Worried? Grateful?
How can you improve upon that? i.e., Journal to find the truths, Get into nature to find peace, Workout to expel the stress. Each of these will improve how you grow and see the world. Perspective is achieved here.
Proper plants.
We are a byproduct of what we surround ourselves with. If we have plants with thorns on a walking path that hurt, ouch. If we have plants that wilt with too much rain, sad. If plants get too much sun and get burned, failure.
How can we improve upon that? I,e., Ask for guidance. Find a therapist, Find a mentor. Find a spiritual leader. They will help guide you to what plants are needed for success.
Process Flow:
Pick the right locations (self-talk).
Proper plants (find help to grow).
Obtain the right things at that point to cultivate them.
Just remember, gardens are a work in progress.
It's not about getting it right every single moment of the day.
It's about striving to do our best.
If you fall short sometimes, know the sun will come out again the following day to help guide us back.
So get out there and cultivate your internal garden. You. Are. Worth. It.
Picture from: Meadow Brook Hall Gardens
Photo Taken By: Brandi L. Mire
Do you see the little person?
