Mary, Mary quite contrary
How does your garden grow?
All the flowers, all the colors
All in a perfect row
First the seeds
And then the water
Keeping a little space
Daisies here, roses there
Each one has their place
How does your garden grow? Are you tired of being labeled into a generational category? Millennial, Gen X, Y, Z? Or, in my case, The Silent Generation? These categories imply that people of my age are mere spectators instead of active participants in our culture. To add insult to injury, training programs are designed to educate us about these categories and how to navigate them.
Why not brand yourself as a Perennial?
In the world of plants, perennials are known for their enduring nature, returning year after year with resilience and beauty. Adopting a perennial mindset can lead to fulfilling and lasting personal growth. Here are a few principles to help you embrace the essence of being a perennial in your own life.
Root Yourself in Values: Perennials have deep roots, providing stability and nourishment. Similarly, anchor yourself in your core values. Knowing what truly matters to you will serve as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions in a meaningful direction.
Adaptability is Key: Perennials weather changing seasons effortlessly. Embrace adaptability in your life; learn to navigate challenges and uncertainties with flexibility. Adapting doesn't mean compromising your values; it involves finding new ways to stay true to them in different circumstances.
Continuous Learning and Growth: Perennials continuously evolve, adapting to their environment. Foster a mindset of lifelong learning. Seek out new knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, knowing that learning is a lifelong journey.
Nurture Relationships: Perennials often thrive in symbiotic relationships with other organisms. Similarly, prioritize and nurture your relationships. Surround yourself with people who support your growth and inspire you to be your best self. Cultivate connections that stand the test of time.
Practice Resilience: Perennials endure harsh conditions and bounce back. Develop resilience by viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Rather than seeing challenges as roadblocks, consider them stepping stones to becoming a better, stronger individual.
Live Mindfully in the Present: Perennials don't rush their growth; they bloom in their own time. Practice mindfulness by being fully present in the moment. Enjoy the journey of personal development without fixating on the destination. Celebrate small victories and savor the beauty of each season in your life.
Contribute to Your Ecosystem: Perennials often play a role in supporting their ecosystems. Likewise, find ways to contribute positively to your community and the world around you. Your actions, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact. Can you still smile? Share that with the world. A lot of people need it.
Being a perennial is about embracing the cyclical nature of growth, learning, and adaptation. By cultivating these qualities, you can navigate the seasons of life with grace and resilience, ensuring that your personal journey is as enduring and beautiful as the most steadfast perennial garden.
Pat, insightful analogy. I want to be a perennial. A local memory care community utilizes flowers to describe various types of residents. There are signs posted on the hallways. I had a resident living there years ago and they described her as a rose. I recall the rose's thorns being mentioned to describe the temperament. Ironically, I didn't ever hear the care staff referring to my client as a rose nor any other resident as their representative flower. Hopefully they viewed those receiving care as people w/ extensive experiences and histories, which couldn't be simplified or categorized. Some marketing campaigns and care strategies are best removed, like the weed.
Fabulous post,Pat! Makes so much sense to me. Thankyou.
Merry Christmas and happy and healthy new year.