Growing a Life

I have a lovely indoor garden in my kitchen.  In contrast, my son-in-law and daughter have a large, well-planned container garden in their backyard.  All of us had to do the same things, however, in order to get to a harvest.  The process used in gardening can easily be applied to growing one’s life:

PURPOSE: Decide what you want to achieve.  Setting goals for a garden can be varied. I like the fact that I can just snip off a couple of lettuce leaves as I need them.  Others might want a few fresh vegetables to prepare for meals.  Many hope for a harvest that will lead to canning and preserving for the winter months.  There is also a group of gardeners who just enjoy the psychological effects of feeling dirt between their fingers, sun on their backs and pride from their efforts.

RESEARCH:  This is likely one of the most important steps.  If you don’t know what you are doing, you won’t get good results.  Soil types, fertilizers, zones, procedures and timing are all important as are enemies such as insects, disease or animals that harm or destroy the crop.  Life has the same requirements.  Those who do not learn, and plan cannot depend on life to just make everything happen miraculously.  You need to know how to reach goals but also how to keep them from being destroyed or neglected.

SUPPLIES:  It can be a costly endeavor to have a garden.  The cost of seeds, bulbs and fertilizer can add up quickly.  There is watering to be done, tools to purchase as well as containers for growing and/or storing.  In life we need to have access to transportation and resources that will help us to learn and fulfill our goals.  The bottom rung of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs includes food, clothing and shelter but this is just the beginning.  Safety and security, love and belonging, and self-esteem must be reached before one reaches the peak of self-actualizing.

EFFORT:  It takes physical and mental work to grow a garden.  Often there are extra duties beyond what might be expected on a daily basis such as covering plants to protect them from frost. Hoeing, hauling dirt, bending and pruning can be tiring, but, on the other hand, can provide good exercise.  As we go through life, we realize that working towards goals, earning a living, and planning time with loved ones takes commitment.  Ensuring that we practice self-care and develop a financial plan can help prevent or reduce what otherwise might be significant stress. 

REWARDS:  There aren’t many things better than fresh vegetables from the garden or even jams and preserves that we made ourselves.  Picking and shelling the peas as we pop them into our mouths is a treat that I am sure we have all enjoyed.  It is easy to give thanks for our produce.  Unfortunately, we are often so busy with “busyness” that we don’t take time to enjoy ourselves or give thanks for other blessings.  When did you last call a friend, go fishing, or engage in your favourite hobby?  How often do you sit in that backyard that you paid for and cultivated just to listen to the birds and smell the fresh air?  Do you want to live long or live well?

The wonderful thing about life is that we have the power to set goals for ourselves, access resources and celebrate success.  The choice is ours.

So, what is stopping you from making your life into a bumper crop of joy and happiness?