G.R.O.W.

Last week I wrote about people and their new year's resolutions and how we should first commit to making new day resolutions instead. This week my challenge for you is to simply GROW.


G.R.O.W. = Gradually Renew Our Will


If you've ever cared for a plant, one thing you will realize is that like other living things it needs something beyond the basic necessities(food, water and sunlight) in order to grow. Growing up around my mother and grandmothers who love to plant flowers in the garden, I learned that there are two types of plants: annuals and perennials. Annuals you have to buy and replant every year while perennials are planted once and return each spring. From day to day we determine if we will be annual champions or perennial champions. We can choose to be annuals and let our hopes, dreams, drive and aspirations die everyday because someone challenged, angered, or discouraged us. We look healthy and strong on the outside, but on the inside we are weak and unsure of ourselves and allow the smallest thing to break us down consistently. The alternative is to be perennial champions in that we are resillient and remain strong externally and internally.


Plants have to be placed in an atmosphere where the air is fresh and there is a healthy exchange of energy. Some people actually talk to their plants. In fact some people even sing to their plants. Now, before you call them crazy, understand the philosophy behind people's actions toward plants and how they should mirror their actions toward other human beings. When was the last time you heard of someone cussin out a plant cuz it wasn't growing fast enough? If you answered this question in the affirmative, please refer that person to your family therapist ASAP.


The lesson that we can learn from plants is to gradually renew our will on the good and the bad days. It is the difference between being bruised or broken, hurt or injured, confused or convinced. Ultimately, we determine the temporary or permanent resillience of our character. It is our responsibility to take the energy from every accomplishment, experience, relationship, failure, challenge, conversation as one to grow on and grow with.