Gardens are a place to explore and experience the little miracles that we can create when we put time, energy and some backbone into the effort. A healthy garden requires adequate light. We must prepare the soil, plant seeds, and water often as we anticipate the bounty that will bloom from our labors.
Gardens are also a wonderful metaphor for life. They can symbolize the seeding of things we want for our personal growth and happiness. And just like a seedling, new ideas need space and time to take root. We also have to weed out the things that crowd out that which we want to grow.
Thinking of your life as if it were a garden, what needs to be weeded out to allow the new to flourish? What is weighing you down or holding you back? Is it a feeling, a habit, a relationship, a commitment? Is it literal stuff or more emotional or physical baggage? Maybe it’s a mindset. Whatever it is may not necessarily be a “bad” thing. Afterall, some weeds are quite pretty! Dandelions come to mind. But it’s just not what your life garden needs right now.
To build momentum for the hard work of weeding, it’s helpful to focus on the flowers we want in the garden of our life.
- What will weeding out the unneeded stuff make room for?
- What will getting rid of your weed make possible?
- How will it benefit different aspects of your life?
Considering the positive things that will come from making hard or tough actions is a powerful ally to change. So challenge yourself to think of as many benefits as possible and share that list with your coach or a supportive friend. Every experienced gardener appreciates another pair of hands.
