The botany of life

There are seasons for everything in life-- seasons for rest, solidarity, community, joy, and even sorrow. As stay at home orders were issued and standards of living, along with day to day life became foreign, I found myself in a season of discovering boundaries, love for myself, and immense healing. While this season has proven to be extremely enlightening and rewarding, it has been unsettling and at times more draining than empowering; and that is ok. Healing will never be a linear process. Healing can be messy. Healing can bloom as you water it, but it can also wilt as seasons of life change. As gardeners of our own well-being there are some important "tools" I have discovered as integral to cultivating good things, authenticity, and healthy lifestyle choices.

1) BOUNDARIES -- "You can still love and care for someone but decide doing so from a distance is best for your mental and emotional health" (Alexandra Elle). People you love don't always grow with you and everyone experiences seasons differently! Set your boundaries accordingly! You are blessed, brave, and worthy even as you grow, let go, change, heal, and rediscover your comfort zones.

2) RECIPROCITY -- The same sentiments of joy and hope you wish for those around you, the love you expect them to receive, and the same forms of solace you pray they inherit, are all wonderful privileges you deserve too. Many friendships and romantic relationships have extremely skewed reciprocation. However, every relationship requires equal effort on both ends to sustain healthy associations. If it is meant for you it will not run, or hide or avoid being there for you.

3) LET GO & GROW -- You get to where you are going by walking away from where you have been. The definition of insanity is repeating the same actions over and over again, expecting a different result. Take some time to reflect on the past and how you can improve but don't become imprisoned by cyclical actions and thoughts. Breathe. You are capable, powerful, and brilliant. Be authentic as you move forward and remember to water yourself as well as those around you-- it is impossible to pour from an empty glass. What is done with love, is done well... move forward and pursue wholeness rather than someone else's image of perfection.

Most importantly always give yourself credit for how far you have come, you are constantly evolving and changing! It is nearly impossible to be distracted by comparison and unhealthy relationships when you are captivated by purpose and invested in your own growth. Go forth and conquer anything you desire having; may the moonlight bring you peace by the night and sunshine upon your face by the dawn.