As we welcome the new year many of us are making resolutions. Often times those resolutions include starting something good for us and stopping something not so good for us.
Here are 5 things our gardens can teach us about sticking to those resolutions.
1. Patience. You planted tulip and daffodil bulbs in the fall, knowing you will not see "results" until the spring. Those seeds you are starting indoors will bring you veggies, many months from now. Results take time. Give yourself time to see the results from your new year resolutions.
2. Expect the unexpected. Like our gardens, life will bring you unexpected surprises. Have you ever noticed a random sunflower popping up in your garden? Nature has a way of reminding us to embrace the unexpected and make the best of it. Adjust your resolutions as the year brings you the unexpected.
3. Rebirth takes time. My neighbor had a beautiful evergreen shrub that turned brown after one winter. I gave it a lot of TLC and after a few years, that shrub has recovered beautifully. It took time and patience. The lesson is to not give up. Change, growth and rebirth takes time.
4. We need our friends. You stand a greater chance of achieving your new year resolutions with the help of others. Seek support. Ask for help. Nothing grows in our gardens without the help of the birds, bees, worms, sunshine, soil and rain.
5. If you fail, try try again. Whatever you resolve to do or change this year, it's likely at some point you will fall off the resolution wagon. Keep going, Try again. Make adjustments. Gardeners know that not every seed or bulb will bloom. Not every fruit tree will produce fruit. Yet, we persevere and keep going and growing.
As we sew the seeds for our new year, remember that results take time. Nurture yourself like you nurture your gardens. Have patience and grace with your journey.
Happy New Year!
~Deb