Once, a long time ago now, a wise friend of mine offered some very simple and thoughtful advice. It's good advice that I realize now, not everyone is taught. So, here it is, in all of its magical ways:
"For every day you rise, plant a seed."
For example:
- At any time in your life have you ever found yourself depressed?* It happens and is not uncommon. Try to get up every day, and try your hardest to do just one small, simple thing. Even if that one small, simple thing is making your bed. Or taking a shower. Maybe even talking to someone. As small as these actions may seem, each small, simple task can help you manage the onset of depression greatly.
- Have you ever engaged in an online discussion-turned-argument? The best thing you can do in that situation is to stop and disengage. Be aware of the tone you are expressing. Learn to take a step back. Rise above your anger in order to have a conversation and communicate. You won't win anyone over with hostile opinion. So, plant a seed of patience, empathy, and understanding. It sounds like work to some - but losing a friendship or destroying a relationship is not worth an argument. Not to mention the very wise idiom: you win more bees with honey. Does that mean you'll always agree? Of course not. Life is full of complicated matters that we all experience differently. Being able to handle yourself when such differences arise is what will make you grow stronger. Learn to love each other and to accept each other - especially over matters that don't violate the happiness and well-being of yourself or others.**
- Is there a task or a goal that is proving difficult for you? Are you aware that a helping hand could really help you to pursue your goals at work, at school, or in life in general? Rise above your fears. Instill the seed of growth within yourself. Make a habit of asking others politely for the help you need. Sometimes you'll have to dig deep to plant this seed, but if you just take the moment to keep in mind that the worst thing anyone can truly say to a polite request is, "no", then you're already ahead of the game. People, in general, love to be able to help each other. It's in our nature. So learn to water those seeds and to grow confidence, learn to grow an understanding of others willing to help. Learn to pay the help you receive forward, too, and you will find that your bounty will grow.
These few examples are a drop in the bucket for what planting a seed can do.
They are also small concepts of the positivity and potential within planting these seeds. Planting a seed can be something as big as helping ducklings cross a road safely, or something as small as buying yourself an ice cream after a long and trying day.
Take a moment today, if you can, and write down all the ways that you might be able to help yourself plant those seeds. Is it by sending a co-worker an uplifting and positive note or a happy little doodle? Maybe you can offer to buy someone a coffee? Could you plant a seed by cleaning your favorite relaxation space? Think of the seeds you could plant by offering to have a movie night among friends. There's no limit in how we can be better gardeners and plant these soulful seeds. In a way, gardening couldn't be more enjoyable and fun, you simply need to find your own special way to plant the seeds and make them grow.
No matter what you do, remember to rise up each day. Do your best and plant those seeds. One at a time, if you must. Give them sunlight and air. Water those seeds and care for them. One day, when you least expect it, you will have a garden before you. A full, glorious garden of memories, of interactions and experiences that feed the soul. Really, what more can we ask for?
*Please note: Depression has a wide spectrum of experience. If you find yourself on the long-term variation, it is important to seek help and pursue a life of good mental health. Do not take this advice as medical, it is only intended to be a reminder of how to be positive and work towards positive actions in life.
For further advice on depression: HSE - Helping Someone with Depression
**This advice is not meant to encourage anyone to endure or carry on with toxic or harmful relationships. Please know that there are big differences between empathy and understanding. Having an argument over little things, like, whose Hogwarts House is the best at Quidditch - versus - tolerating the toxic behaviors of someone who is abusive, manipulative, narcissistic, or dangerous is not the same calibre.
If you find yourself in a dangerous or harmful situation, there is help available:
Take a moment today, if you can, and write down all the ways that you might be able to help yourself plant those seeds. Is it by sending a co-worker an uplifting and positive note or a happy little doodle? Maybe you can offer to buy someone a coffee? Could you plant a seed by cleaning your favorite relaxation space? Think of the seeds you could plant by offering to have a movie night among friends. There's no limit in how we can be better gardeners and plant these soulful seeds. In a way, gardening couldn't be more enjoyable and fun, you simply need to find your own special way to plant the seeds and make them grow.
No matter what you do, remember to rise up each day. Do your best and plant those seeds. One at a time, if you must. Give them sunlight and air. Water those seeds and care for them. One day, when you least expect it, you will have a garden before you. A full, glorious garden of memories, of interactions and experiences that feed the soul. Really, what more can we ask for?
*Please note: Depression has a wide spectrum of experience. If you find yourself on the long-term variation, it is important to seek help and pursue a life of good mental health. Do not take this advice as medical, it is only intended to be a reminder of how to be positive and work towards positive actions in life.
For further advice on depression: HSE - Helping Someone with Depression
**This advice is not meant to encourage anyone to endure or carry on with toxic or harmful relationships. Please know that there are big differences between empathy and understanding. Having an argument over little things, like, whose Hogwarts House is the best at Quidditch - versus - tolerating the toxic behaviors of someone who is abusive, manipulative, narcissistic, or dangerous is not the same calibre.
If you find yourself in a dangerous or harmful situation, there is help available:
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