The Way of The Cacti
Growth Patterns We Inherit and Imitate
What kind of plant are you? This is a loaded question. For those unsure how to answer, let's consider some common examples to get you started. Vines can seem erratic, twisting and growing beyond their pots, in constant need of boundaries. Bushes can typically be left to their own devices with gentle shaping along the way, or a shearing overhaul can produce unique shapes. Roses showcase their entire growth cycle in 4 to 8 weeks. Then it is on to the next bloom as it experiences growth, life, death, and repeated change. And we cannot forget the dandelion seed head. It is not a flower, but a mature seed. It is commonly used for making the best wishes before blowing the seedball to bits like confetti and hope all in one. Each seedling is ushered to madness by the whims and will of all of its handlers, with no desires of its own.
When Resilience Becomes a Requirement
While you think of your flower, I want you to consider the cactus. Did you know cacti only need sunlight for about six hours a day and water only when the soil is dry? Cacti maintain their health when watered every 2-4 weeks during warmer months and once a month or less during winter months. In fact, they should be underwatered rather than overwatered to avoid the risk of root rot caused by excessive moisture.
Surviving What Was Never Meant to Be Normal
Cacti have learned to survive on the bare minimum. It endures these conditions as if they were optimal and mastered the ability to make do. It makes me wonder if we endure situations that are never optimal because we learn to make do. Let’s face it. We have been in some dry soil in the shadows of the sun. We have also experienced the great flood of care once the guilt of neglect sets in and moves someone to action. None of these scenarios is optimum.
We Are Here to Bloom, Not Just Endure
It is time to decide what we need and make those needs known. We can’t just assess our soil and take inventory of what is lacking without sharing our findings. We need to make those needs known in our relationships and give ourselves a chance to thrive. Let’s make it known in every relationship that we are there to flourish, not survive. If not, we will remain immature at heart but mature in age while blowing in the unforgiving wind of our childhoods.
