Bloom Where You Are Planted

It’s wonderful to have goals, beautiful dreams for the future – that is what gets us through the grind, right?  When doldrums strike, it helps to keep our eyes on the prize.   Yet there is value in staying in the present moment,  adhering to the old adage, “bloom where you are planted”.

What exactly does that mean, anyway?   We’ve all seen or heard it, I’m sure.  I have the phrase on a plaque in my kitchen.  I guess I thought it meant to do your best no matter what the situation or circumstances, just bloom.  My interpretation ended with the first word!  I never really thought about the “where you are planted part”.  Til now.

I have been blessed with such a wonderful wise mother.  In a recent phone conversation discussing a situation that I am unhappy with,  she counseled me recently with the phrase Bloom Where You are Planted.

Excuse me, what?  How is that going to help me?  I was a little confused, and a bit irritated.  She must not get the depth of my problem, I first thought.  She pointed out that this is where I am RIGHT NOW and this where I need to bloom.  Of course I ought to keep working on future goals, but at the same time I need to shine and be my best right here and now where I am.

This little gem can be applied to so many varied aspects of life.   For many years I grieved over losing two pregnancies, and felt guilty that my daughter would be an only child.  I realized after a few years, that was not the end of the world for her to be a singleton (despite rude remarks from others- “only children are spoiled”  “why don’t you give her a brother or sister?” ” she’s going to be so lonely/ bossy/ clingy/ selfish…” )  I accepted that I would have one child.  And so it is.  I am a mother of one and I realize how lucky she is to be an only child.

It applies to my health.  I have exercise induced asthma, I have little arthritic aches and pains that mushroom into big aches and pains when I am not careful.  And so… I bloom where I am planted.  I pace myself, prep with my inhaler, and do the best that I can.  If if have a significant asthma attack, or a flare up of arthritis,  it’s an “oops!”  I have had to take a long look at myself and my goals – from a few years in the future, and have come to the conclusion that while I will be living this lifestyle for many years to come, I can’t wait til things are “perfect” with my health.

In my work at the hospital, I feel so conflicted with the incorrect information I have to endorse.   Yet, I must choose to bloom while I am still there.  I give my patients the kindest, most compassionate care I can.  I smile and laugh and try to sneak in tidbits about paleo living under the radar.   I used to feel so unimportant, so ridiculously ineffective that I would leave depressed and often near tears.  Not anymore.  I know I make people happy, make them look forward to exercising in rehab, and that is enough.

Wherever you are in your various journeys, aspiring to be elsewhere, take a good look right under your feet.  Decide that while you aren’t going to give up your hopes, you are going to do the best you can with what you have, right now, this very moment.

Blessings,

Aileen

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