Pulling the Weeds from Your Life

🎧 👉 Prefer audio? You can also listen to me share about this in podcast episode #072 here.

Lately, I've found myself drawn to gardening metaphors, even though I don't exactly consider myself having a super green thumb – my interaction with plants typically stops at regularly watering our indoor plants.

Just last week, the idea of being transplanted and adapting to new surroundings struck a chord with me. (See that blog/podcast here)

And now, I've got another analogy buzzing in my head – weeding. I spent some time yesterday tending to the pots of succulents outside our house.

So there I was, plucking out stubborn weeds and removing withered leaves that had fallen from the oak trees that cover our property. And I also was pulling flower stalks that had sprung up from the succulents, since they'd already bloomed and the flowers had faded away, so it was time to trim them.

While I was elbow-deep in this horticultural adventure, a bunch of thoughts crossed my mind. Let me share a few with you.

First off, sometimes things that aren't even ours fall into our space, and we need to take a moment to clear them away – either integrate them and let them transform us, or remove them from our environment. Things pop up, and we decide whether to let them enrich us or cast them aside.

And then, those weeds. Some were really going for it, trying to claim their spot, attempting to take over the pot. But here's the trick: For the most effective weed extraction, you've got to get close to the root where it connects with the soil. Slow and steady wins the race; wiggling and gentle tugs often work better than abrupt yanks. It struck me that life's a bit like that, too, isn't it? Often, a gentle, deliberate approach is needed to deal with issues that crop up.

And let's talk a bit more about slowing down. Slowing down is where the magic happens. It lets you tune in to your thoughts, your feelings, and your intentions. It's like a spotlight on the present moment, helping you to fully grasp what's happening in your mind and around you. Taking that breather is exactly what you need to gain clarity and insight.

One of those beautiful, spikey, succulents pricked me as I tried to free dried-up oak leaves trapped among its spikes. That little spot started swelling up a little so I took a break to go wash it. Note to self – maybe wearing my longer gardening gloves is a good idea next time. And this was a life reminder too, that when something pricks you, don't ignore it. Take a moment, deal with it. Self-care is a vital part of the journey.

Oh, and the flowers – they bloom and look fantastic, and then they fade, just like experiences in our lives. They come, they go. It's a cycle we can't escape. So, when something's run its course, it's okay to snip it away. No need to hold onto things that have served their purpose and have reached the end of their road.

But I know that putting these ideas into action can be tougher than it sounds. That's where having a coach comes in. Someone to guide you, to help you navigate these twists and turns, these "aha" moments that life throws at you. I've been on both sides of the coaching journey.

If you're intrigued about the possibility of working with me, go here for a taste of my coaching and learn more about my program Busy to Balanced.

Or if you're ready to work with me privately, you can schedule a single session or explore ongoing coaching options. Send me a note here for more details.

Remember, life's like a garden. You've got the blooms, the weeds, the unexpected stabs, and the moments when you need to trim away what's no longer thriving. So, as you tend to your own life's garden, take your time, get to the root, and embrace the cycle. And most importantly, listen to your gut – it'll guide you through the thorns and the blossoms.

“Pick the weeds and keep the flowers.” 

– Kelly Clarkson

🎧 👉 Prefer audio? You can also listen to me share about this in podcast episode #072 here.