The Vine, Fall 2024
As a longtime gardener, I know that the effort I put in is directly related to the reward. Like our lives, we must fertilize our soil and our minds, we must keep the plants — and our bodies — hydrated, and without a doubt we must keep the weeds — those negative thoughts that cripple us — out.
Garlic is a great example to follow. By planting the clove at the correct time in the fall so it can go through its vernalization process over the winter, it becomes ready when the warm rays of spring hit the earth and the clove begins its upward journey. It then grows a scape and flowers; the scape is quite delicious and must be cut off. If not stopped, it will rob all the energy from the garlic head that’s forming. Much like us, if we go off on a tangent, we will rob ourselves of future growth. We must stay focused on growth so we can reach our full potential.
To grow as a person, it helps to identify our values and what gives us meaning and purpose. To grow as a person, we must practice gratitude and reflection, set short- and long-term goals and push ourselves, much like the garlic, upward to reach them. Like the garlic, be resilient, adapt to change, manage stress and keep a positive attitude. Always believe in yourself, learn something new and be productive. Focus on the positive, think about the parts of your life that work well and remember the skills you used to navigate the challenges.
Life does not throw problems at us, it gives us lessons. Sometimes we learn and sometimes the lesson comes back at us in a different form. Our growth, much like the garlic, is not an option, it is part of being human.
As we enter the fall season, I encourage you to keep the idea of garlic in the back of your mind. Be ready when those warm rays of spring arrive to continue your journey of upward growth.
In the words of the song by Derek and the Dominos, Eric Clapton sings, “She said, you’re gonna be alright boy, oh just as long as you keep on growing, keep on growing, keep on growing, Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!”
Top image source: iStockphoto.com/CherriesJD
