As The Petals Drop

We’re halfway through the “What Kind of Plant Are You?” series. If you are new here, the series starts with the blog titled “The Way of The Cacti”. In it, you are introduced to mental health issues as they relate to vines, dandelions, roses, and bushes. We’ve identified vines in the blog titled “The Ivy Way” and dandelion seed heads in “Wish I May, Wish I Might”. Today’s blog will focus on roses. 

Let’s Talk Thorns… 

It is no surprise that roses are the most popular flowers in the world. It is the go to flower to declare love, show appreciation, and celebrate. Roses are the universal mascot for Valentine’s Day and a staple for anniversaries as well as birthdays. Shakespeare even famously wrote, “A rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet".

“Who wouldn’t want to be a rose?”, you may wonder. That is until you remember that roses have thorns.

One of the biggest thorns or downsides to this remarkable flower is its short lifespan. Each rose completes its individual growth cycle every 4 to 8 weeks. This means a rose experiences birth, growth, and death in 2 months tops. When a rose begins to open, it is already beginning to die. In fact, roses in bloom have about a week to live before their petals drop and they wither away.

If you find yourself in a constant state of change, you might be a rose. 

Let’s Talk Perspective…

Change is not only needed, it is both necessary and imminent. Being a rose will make you appreciate time. When time is of the essence, there is no room to fear change, endings, or even new beginnings.

Yes, change can make you feel uncomfortable and anxious. However, it loses its sting when you lean into it. Since you know change is coming, harness your anxious energy to prepare for it. The good news is that you know more today than you did yesterday. So, take the next best step forward and make it count. Roses that don’t learn their lessons are doomed to repeat the same cycle.

Just as each rose’s cycle is a part of the collective plant, you will bud anew. Make sure your new growth shows promise. Trust the process and the notion that change is good. Do what you must to grow, then it is on to the next bloom. 

Let’s Talk Simple Truths…

Rose cycles are quick. So, don’t get comfortable. Also, don’t expect to stay the same when circumstances around you change. To do so, could force your own petals to drop emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.

You cannot stay in spaces you outgrow. In the same vein, you will outgrow people. Stagnant people should not have access to you when you reach new levels. Remember, you can’t take everyone with you, especially if they are not willing to put in the work to grow alongside you.

Growth and change are not new to you. You are a rose. Swap out your rose colored glasses for safety goggles, use your thorns as armor, and embrace your next growth cycle.