Written by: Christine Maunu-Westley, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I am a huge collector and lover of plants. I am also a sensitive soul, so I always feel sad when I see discounted plants on store shelves—just placed there, waiting for a home. They may not look as lush and green as the other plants do, but I believe they still have the potential to grow and flourish. Because of this belief in their potential, you will often see me buying and bringing them home.
The first discounted plant I bought had very few leaves on it, and the few leaves it did have were turning brown. The stem was also brittle and dry and looked like it might break. Some would have said it was struggling; others might have even said it was dying. However, I knew this plant still had potential and deserved a chance. So, I purchased and brought it home, and I am so delighted that I did. The store was almost ready to throw it out because it did not look as lush and green as the other plants on the shelves. Yet, as I sit here and write this, it has grown and flourished so much that I will soon need to transfer it into a bigger pot.
How did this happen? Because of patience and time, perseverance and some encouraging words.
As I have watched the growth of this discounted plant and so many others just like it, it has taught me some valuable life lessons: no matter where we are in life, we always have the potential to grow and flourish. And we always have the potential, deep within us, to reach our goals and aspirations. It may not always be easy, and we may face obstacles sometimes, but it can be done.
So, as demonstrated by my family of discounted plants, who have struggled and thrived, here is how you can help yourself grow and flourish.
1. Patience and Time
Just because it looks like you are growing slower and in a different way than others, this does not mean you are failing or falling behind. As the quote from Lao Tzu says, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." Every single one of us is continuously growing. We just do this in different ways, during different cycles, and at different paces. So, while your growth may not look the same as those around you, you are still growing.
All the discounted plants I have purchased over the years did not grow swiftly. It took a lot of patience and time, but it happened. So whatever goals and aspirations you are trying to achieve in life, you must not focus on how fast you think you need to go to reach them. Instead, take it day by day while having faith in yourself and your journey. And remember, what feels like slow motion to you may be divine timing from the Universe – causing things in your life to move at the right pace and in the right way, so you can be supported precisely as you need to be at this moment in time.
2. Perseverance
There have been days when so many new leaves have grown on my plants. Then on other days, some leaves turn brown and fall off. But despite these ups and downs, they still keep growing and flourishing. Just like life, there will be ups and downs. Some days it will feel like you took two steps forward. Then on other days, it may feel like you took three steps backwards.
No matter what happens, do not give up. If you are experiencing a setback or two, do not let this stop you or hold you back. Setbacks do not mean you are failing or falling behind; sometimes, it is just part of the journey. If you keep focusing on the setbacks, you will hold yourself back. Instead, think back to all you have ever pushed through and overcome in the past. By doing this, you will see that you have done it before and can do it again.
3. Encouraging Words
Our voices emit energy and vibrations; this is why some believe that talking to our plants positively can support their growth. Whenever I bring a discounted plant home and begin speaking to it positively, such as "You can do it" or "I believe in you," they start growing and flourishing. Seeing this progress always makes me think about how we often speak to ourselves, which can be very negative sometimes. When faced with difficulties or obstacles, we often tell ourselves, "I can't do this," or think, "I'm not good enough."
If you find yourself speaking negatively about yourself, try reframing your words. For example, instead of saying, "I can't do this," try saying, "I am proud of myself for doing the best I can." Or instead of saying, "I am not good enough," say, "I am good enough." If you do not reframe your words, it may discourage you and prevent you from growing and flourishing.
And so, here are my final thoughts and words. Each of us has a unique journey. One that is never-ending and full of growth and possibilities if we allow ourselves to be open to this. Please, do not let yourself or anyone around you make you feel like you are failing, falling behind or not good enough just because your growth looks different from someone else's. Believe in yourself. And allow yourself to grow and flourish, just as my collection of discounted plants has.
Christine Maunu-Westley, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Christine Maunu-Westley is a spiritual life coach, intuitive oracle card reader, channeller, Reiki practitioner, crystal practitioner, and the creator of Wisdom Within The Winds. Like a leaf blowing in the wind, we are all on a journey. We may not always know which direction we are moving in, but we are all moving somewhere. So we sometimes need help (re)connecting to the wisdom within ourselves and all around us. Her soul's highest calling is to hold space and support others with an open and loving heart, so they can (re)connect to this wisdom. She is passionate about seeing beautiful souls (like you) flourish and grow as you move through your journey in life – just as a leaf moves in the open sky.
