I have to be honest. Despite much good fortune it’s pathetically
easy for me to wallow in regret over misspent youth. Oh, I didn’t end up in
jail or anything. In fact, I’ve always been a (basically) upright citizen.
Yet throughout the decades I drifted from job to job, going
wherever the local temporary employment service sent me. I almost always ended
up permanently on some company payroll until that business got bought out and
my position came to a premature end. Then the cycle would repeat.
My current life is not awful, by any means. My partner likes
to phrase it like this: “We could have crash landed in a worse place.” So true.
It simply feels like I missed out on years enjoying a fulfilling career. And
my hometown isn’t exactly exciting. Yet I saw something the other day that
brightened my mildly mournful attitude.
You see, if I weren’t in just this place at this particular
time I would not have witnessed a resilient pansy growing between my little
retaining wall and the sidewalk. A seed must have landed there from last year’s
plantings. How the thing got enough sun is a complete mystery. Check it out:
 |
| I am Mighty! Hear Me Roar! |
Besides brightening my day, the little flower reminded me
that I’m still alive. Boring as my small suburb may seen, the place could very
well have more surprising blooms left. So might I. And thus I got myself
outside and made way for summer growth today instead of feeling lame.
How about you? Do you like to garden? Maybe something else
draws you out of yourself. Please share with a comment.
And have a blessed day!
It's amazing the power that Nature has to make us feel grateful, grounded and in awe of life that seemingly defeats the odds. Thank you for sharing, Darla.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and making time to comment, Corinne, especially when I know you're so successful (read: busy, as well) with your own blog. You're an inspiration to me. And I feel so blessed by this little show of perseverance. What I didn't mention is that another "volunteer" pansy sprouted beneath my rose bush. Lucky me! Be well, dear.
DeleteHugs Darla! Such an introspective post, but shining with hope. Whenever I go through a low, I've realized that I simply have to look around and notice the little things, and there's a life-lesson staring me in the face. I have learned to look at the silver linings - and it always puts everything in better perspective. Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful photo. I see resilient plants sprouting in our area all the time - and am always amazed because there's so much upheaval going on... yet it doesn't stop them from looking up at the sun! Sending you love.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind and introspective words, Vidya! I am so glad to have found your blog last April. ~hugs~
DeleteHi Darla! I also feel the spiritual power of nature. Now that spring is finally here I will be able to do some gardening. That is what I love and reminds me that my Dad gave me this love of plants and the outdoors! It reminds me to be grateful for the little things. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHappy gardening to you, Joan! Gardening seemed to have skipped a generation or two in my family. Only my maternal grandfather seemed to enjoy growing flowers, though my parents grew vegetables to feed the six of us during my childhood. Thank you for the kind words!
DeleteNone of us are really anything. I have to remind myself of that every day but its true. If I really need to knock it into my head I go out on a clear dark night and stare into the stars. The universe is so vast, and each of us, so teensy. I love the feeling, takes all my little tiny worries away. We don't have to be anything. Just think about all the famous powerful successful people. they get forgotten quickly too after death. We're all just fuck ups, as my friend Dave put it. Anyhow, love that little brave pansy.
ReplyDeleteI think I would very much enjoy hanging out with you and your friend Dave, Strayer. Thought of the infinite universe used to keep me awake during childhood. :) My perspective is a little different now. I sometimes picture God holding the earth when I feel overwhelmed. Best wishes!
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