It’s Been A Bit

While I did share about. being an 8 minute friend last week, outside of that post I think we all know that it’s been a bit and it’s been a ride. A bit of a ride maybe?

Long story short, I have had a few TBI’s in my life, one landing me as a John Doe in the hospital. Can’t say that I see myself as a John though, let alone a John Doe?

There have been too many concussions to count. And some brain remapping through some of those hits. Luckily none of them have been recent, however they somehow still squeeze my brain juice more than I appreciate them doing.

Leaving me in some moments that are just a bit of a struggle. So I try to slow down, I don’t do that well, I try to pick a lane to stay in, I don’t do that well, I try many things. Seems like all I can do in times like that is… Wait. In the darkness… Wait…

So with that - here I am. Regrouping and feeling as though I need to be a gardener.

Want to garden with me?

The Season Of Gardening

First question of the day, how do we do it, how do we become the gardener to the most important garden we ever will garden?

Simple right, throw some seeds in the dirt, cover them up so they’re in the darkness and let them be. Come back 60 days later to see how things are growing. If that’s how we did it, what do you think the outcome would be?

Anything? Maybe some small sprouts of growth, eaten by rabbits, a leaf or two?

Without watering, light, some weeding, some love, how much of that garden would actually thrive? My guess is very little to none…

As we journey through the seasons of life, there are times when we find ourselves in a phase of winter. It doesn’t matter what the calendar says, it can happen in June, it can happen in December - We find ourselves in winter.

With that, how about we pause and reflect on the wisdom you can find in the analogy of life as a garden and our souls as seed. 

Just as a seed is planted in the darkness, we often find ourselves stuck in the depths of uncertainty, challenges, and lacking direction. And you need to know that we will all find ourselves there at some point in our lives. The darkness is not prejudice, it doesn’t care what you drive, what your house is like. It doesn’t care if you’re a CEO or standing on a corner.

Question is, what do you do with it, how do you plant that seed in the garden, how will you tend to it so that the seed can thrive?

Planting the Seed:

In the quiet depths of the earth, in the darkness, seeds lie dormant, waiting for the right conditions to sprout and begin their journey towards the light. Similarly, within each of us lies the potential for growth and transformation.

You are the seed. Be the seed. hahaha

It is in the darkness of our struggles and uncertainties that we plant the seeds of our dreams, aspirations, and personal growth. It is in that “winter” that we set ourselves up to grow.

Nourishing the Soil:

Just as a gardener tends to the soil, nurturing it with care, attention, and nourishment, we too must nourish our souls. This involves cultivating self-awareness, practicing self-compassion, and engaging in activities that replenish our spirits. Whether it be through meditation, journaling, pickle ball, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones, nourishing our souls is essential for fostering personal growth and well-being.

Growing Towards the Light:

As the seed begins to sprout, it reaches towards the light, seeking warmth, nourishment, and sustenance. Likewise, as we navigate life's challenges and triumphs, we grow towards the light of our highest potential. This involves embracing change, stepping out of our comfort zones, and cultivating resilience in the face of adversity.

Blossoming into Your True Self:

With time, care, and patience, the seed transforms into a magnificent, flourishing plant, radiating beauty, strength, and vitality. Similarly, as we nurture our souls and tend to the garden of our lives, we have the power to blossom into the most beautiful, powerful versions of ourselves. Embrace your unique gifts, talents, and passions, and let them guide you on the path towards fulfillment and purpose.

Cultivating a Vibrant Garden of Life:

As we tend to the garden of our souls, please try remember that growth is not always linear. There will be seasons of abundance and seasons of scarcity, moments of joy and moments of sorrow. Through it all, find the peace in the knowledge that each experience, whether light or dark, brings richness and beauty of our lives. It is in those moments our light can shine.

So, dear friends, as you navigate the garden of your life, remember to tend to the soil of your soul with love, compassion, and intention. Plant your dreams with courage, nourish them with perseverance, and watch as they bloom into the most magnificent expressions of your truest self.

Be The Light

Now, About The Real Garden Outside For The Pollinators

Cultivating a Pollinator Paradise: Tips for Creating a Garden to Attract Bees, Butterflies, and More

In our busiest of worlds, there's a silent workforce tirelessly creating the world around us : pollinators.

Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other creatures play such a vital role in pollinating flowers, fruits, and vegetables, making them indispensable to the ecosystems around us and agriculture alike.

If you haven’t heard though, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change threaten their populations. Not just threaten, they are actually losing the battle to continue on.

We are here on Earth, as humans, it's our responsibility to provide sanctuaries for these essential creatures. One way to do so is by creating a garden specifically designed to entice and support pollinators. Even if you don’t have a large yard, you can help.

And as I shared some tips above to help grow to your own light, here are some tips to help create a pollinators dream in your own backyard:

1. Choose Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to your region's climate and soil conditions, making them attractive and beneficial to local pollinators. Research which plants are native to your area and incorporate them into your garden. Examples include lavender, coneflowers, milkweed, and more.

2. Provide a Variety of Flowers: Pollinators are attracted to a diverse array of flower shapes, colors, and scents. Aim for a mix of flowering plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season, ensuring a continuous food source for pollinators from early spring to late fall. We all love a garden that stays colorful from may thru October, and the pollinators do too!

3. Plant in Clusters: Grouping flowers together in clusters makes them more visible and accessible to pollinators. This also helps create a visually appealing garden design. Consider planting large drifts or swathes of the same species to maximize their impact.

4. Include Host Plants: Many pollinators, such as butterflies, rely on specific host plants to lay their eggs and provide food for their larvae. Incorporate host plants like milkweed for monarch butterflies or parsley for swallowtail butterflies to support their life cycle.

5. Provide Water: Pollinators need water not only for hydration but also for regulating their body temperature. Create a shallow water source, such as a birdbath or a shallow dish filled with pebbles, to provide a safe drinking spot for pollinators.

6. Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides, even those labeled as "bee-friendly," can harm pollinators. Opt for natural pest control methods, such as hand-picking pests or using companion planting techniques, to minimize the need for chemical pesticides in your garden. And please know that pesticides wreak havoc across the ENTIRE food chain!

7. Leave Some Bare Ground: Some solitary bee species nest in the ground or in hollow plant stems. Leave patches of bare ground or incorporate bee hotels and nesting materials to provide nesting sites for these important pollinators.

8. Embrace Imperfection: A pristine, manicured garden may look appealing to us, but it may not be ideal for pollinators. Allow some areas of your garden to grow wild, with untamed foliage and natural debris, to create habitat diversity for pollinators.

9. Educate Yourself and Others: Spread awareness about the importance of pollinators and the ways we can support them. Share your knowledge with friends, family, and neighbors, and encourage them to create pollinator-friendly habitats in their own yards.

By implementing these tips, you can transform your garden into a haven for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to the conservation of these essential creatures while enjoying the beauty and bounty they bring to your outdoor space. Together, let's cultivate a greener, more vibrant world for all beings to thrive.

Click the cosmos seeds below (or here), order a packet, find a place in your yard or near your house, loosen the soil and scatter with love. Cosmos will grow wild and create beauty. You can dead head them all season long and save the seeds and next year grow a larger area. Obviously one of my favorites.