Planting seeds and other things
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The document discusses the author's newfound interest in gardening and the lessons she has learned from the process. She describes planting vegetable seeds and herbs and carefully tending and watering them until they sprouted a few weeks later, which gave her a great sense of accomplishment. The author reflects on how gardening has taught her the importance of patience during waiting periods, as good things often happen during that time. She is working to apply this principle to other areas like fitness, raising her son, and personal development by setting goals and trusting that results will come through diligent effort and focus over time.
Planting seeds and other things
- 1. Planting Seeds and Other Things The Planting of the Seeds I have never been a gardener. Or a planter of any kind when it comes to growing a seed in a bed of soil. My mother is an amazing gardener and Ive always been in awe of her talent. It seems to just be a natural gift for her. But I did see her disciplined in learning its art. And she loves it (an added bonus)! I would try to start a seed once in a while over the years, but during transplanting, I would want to just get it over with, hurry through it, not focus on the process, and my fragile little seed or plant would die. It was very discouraging. I felt like a failure because I couldnt transplant or sustain its life. Or, if I would buy a plant at an already decent size, I would somehow kill it by over-watering. Or under-watering.Or hurrying. I gave up for a long time because of my lack of discipline, learning, and basically any interest in developing gardening skills. Due to the fact that I am now in my 30s and have a 1 year old son (Eli), this year I am determined to get that green thumb Ive always longed to have. I dont want to just have the ability to keep plants alive, but I want to enjoy the process. A few months back in March of this year is when my determination grew, but I had no idea how this would not only transform my gardening skills, but almost every other area of my life! I think most people, especially in our culture, have an instant gratification problem just like I do. We dont want to wait. We want it now. We are disappointed in the waiting. I realize this sounds clich, its not something profound. I just am glad that its finally sinking into my own heart, that Im learning this principle for my own life! In April, I finally purchased some vegetable seeds. I took the time to get some soil, cheap little pots, and 5 different seed packets. Two different herbs, three vegetables. After putting my son to bed, I took some special time by myself planting each one while referring constantly my Gardening 2013 Pinterest board to make sure I was planting the seeds at the right level in each pot, giving them enough water, etc. I even made individual tags for each pot, putting the estimated sprouting date for each plant. I was
- 2. dedicated! There they sat on my window sill for a few weeks. I faithfully watered 4 times a day, just a little here and there being careful not to drown them with water, but being careful not to dehydrate them. I was overly focusedI was a newby thats for sure! It is so funny to think about, but the day each pot sprouted stems, I was giddy. I jumped around the kitchen and danced and sang in weird voices to my own made up songs I did it! I did it! My husband Cory thought I was absurd in my celebration, although he was happy for me. I dont think he will ever know how much it meant to me that I accomplished that small thing! During the week of waiting for the sprouts, I remember thinking I planted seeds but I cant see them. Are they really going to sprout? Did my hard work do anything? What if it was all in vain? What if this doesnt really work? What if Im screwing up the watering? After going through this process and seeing results, next time I will trust that with my effort I will get results in anything I try! I want to feel great during the process of waiting, because I know that usually the BEST things happen during that time. The Constant Gardener (^^My hubby helped me picked this awesome title so I had to put it somewhere!) I wrote this article because other things have been processing in my mind during this planting and tending and waiting. About planting seeds in every area of life. Planting seeds in my fitness coaching business, in raising Eli, in exercising, in eating healthy, in helping friends, in marriage, in personal development, in my faith in God, and my prayers. We all plant seeds, but we often go away and forget about them, even though those seeds usually grow into something amazing if we can choose to focus and check the growth! Usually during the waiting is when we get frustrated. Nothings happening and we dont know why things arent happening on our time table. Then we miss the sprouting, the eruption of something life-changing, satisfying, rewarding. A few weeks after the sprouts emerged, I transplanted them into large pots outside. Eli follows me out to the garden every day and we water them. He is having fun helping me. I observe the plants carefully. No vegetables yet, but it is amazing watching them grow at full speed. One main area Im seeing growth in applying this principle is in regards to my own personal fitness routine. When losing weight in my 20s, I could reach a weight goal easily without much effort. Now a decade later, it takes me much longer and more effort to get in shape. When I am diligent, dedicated, and focused I can be successful at reaching a goal. I especially have to be patient, not expecting immediate results. I have to have faith that through specific goal-setting (planting) and following through with hard work (tending), my result will emerge! www.jesswelch.com