Are You in the Right Pot? Creating a Nurturing Environment for Growth
Pots of varying sizes and textures dot the courtyard flagstones. Some are silvery tin, others terracotta, or red plastic, all of different heights. They are filled with half-munched dahlias and cosmos, with some leggy zinnias standing upright at attention. Unfortunately, the slugs have gotten to the plants over the past few nights, leaving most with shredded leaves peppered with tiny holes. Directly in front of me, several sweet peas clamber up the fence, their spindly tendrils wrapping around the string guidelines. One has finally branched off to produce a single, delicate magenta flower—our first flower. I’m new to gardening and to the rollercoaster of maintaining life amongst the elements and armies of slugs.
My eyes sweep down to the rows of smaller pots filled with seedlings. What strikes me today is how the plants in deeper pots have matured so much quicker. Their bushy leaves dwarf their sibling counterparts.
This observation leads to our reflection today:
Bigger pots, bigger growth - go from surviving to thriving.
Check Your Environment
First, consider the environment in which you find yourself. If unlike me, you are a seasoned gardener, you will know that seedlings grow quicker in larger pots because they have greater access to nutrients, oxygen and water to thrive. The walls of their smaller pot no longer hinder them so they can grow to become all that they were created to become. Our ability to flourish relates to our resources to thrive. For humans, not plants, this looks like:
Relationships: Are you surrounded by supportive and positive people who encourage your growth, or do you find yourself in toxic relationships that drain your energy?
Physical Health: Are you taking care of your body with nourishing food, sufficient sleep, and regular physical activity?
Mental Health: Do you have access to mental health resources, and are you practicing self-care to maintain your emotional well-being?
Home: Is your living space safe and comfortable, providing a sanctuary where you can relax and recharge?
Assessing these areas can identify where your environment may be lacking and steps you can take to improve it.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Next, we reflect on the comfort zones. A young plant initially looks out of place in a large pot, just as we might feel uncomfortable when stepping into new experiences or challenges. Growth often requires us to:
Embrace New Challenges: Consider trying something new, whether it's a hobby, a course, or a project at work. Pushing your boundaries can lead to significant personal development.
Take Risks: Sometimes, taking a calculated risk about changing your enviroment is necessary to move forward. It might be applying for a new job, moving to a new city, or starting your own business.
Persist Through Discomfort: Understand that initial discomfort is part of the growth process. Over time, like the plant, you will grow into your new environment and find your footing.
Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Lastly, think about the limitations we place on ourselves. Just as a small pot limits a plant’s growth, our beliefs can constrain us. Consider these steps to overcome self-imposed limitations:
Identify Limiting Beliefs: Reflect on your self-talk and identify any negative or limiting beliefs you hold. Examples might include "I'm not good enough" or "I could never achieve that."
Challenge These Beliefs: Question the validity of these thoughts. Are they based on facts or fears? Look for evidence that contradicts them.
Replace with Empowering Beliefs: Develop a more positive and empowering narrative about your abilities and potential. Affirmations and positive self-talk can help reinforce these new beliefs.
What next?
Journal Your Needs: Take time to write down what you need in your environment to thrive. Identify any gaps and brainstorm ways to address them.
Plan a New Experience: Choose one new experience or challenge to pursue. Create a step-by-step plan to integrate it into your life.
Affirm Your Potential: Write down affirmations that challenge your limiting beliefs and read them daily. Reflect on your progress and celebrate small victories.
By nurturing your environment, embracing new challenges, and overcoming limiting beliefs, you can create the conditions for your personal growth, just like a plant flourishing in a larger pot.