This spring, my husband decided to plant a garden. In one corner, he planted okra—a vegetable we hadn’t tasted but wanted to try based on a friend’s recommendation. As the season progressed, the okra grew, he cooked it, and we ate it. It was... okay. Nothing we loved or would eagerly eat again, but it’s always fun to eat things straight from the garden.
Then something unexpected happened in the garden. Amidst the okra, a beautiful sunflower emerged. Somehow, a sunflower seed must have gotten mixed in with the bag of okra seeds, and there it was, standing tall and proud, despite not being part of the original plan.
This unexpected sunflower got me thinking about life and authenticity.
1. We Make Plans, But We’re Not in Control of the Outcomes
We often plan meticulously, yet outcomes can surprise us. We can resist these surprises, attempting to enforce our original plan, or we can embrace them, accepting the garden—mess and all—for what it has become.
2. Beauty Can Come from Mistakes
That sunflower wasn’t supposed to be there, but its presence added a unique beauty to the garden. Sometimes, what we see as mistakes or accidents can lead to something wonderful and unexpected.
3. Seeds Will Grow into What They Are Meant to Be
The sunflower grew into what it was meant to be—a sunflower. No amount of planning or effort would have made it grow into okra. Similarly, when we try to be someone we’re not just to fit in, it’s painful and unsustainable. We can only truly thrive when we embrace who we are.
4. Sometimes, You’re Not Sure What Your Seed Is Meant to Grow Into—That’s Okay
There are times when you might not even know what kind of seed you are, especially when you’re overshadowed by the “okra” around you. If you feel restless or unfulfilled, take it as a sign. It might be telling you that you’re meant to grow into something different, something more.
Take the time to dig deep, explore, and try new things. It will feel right when you’re on the right path, just as the sunflower felt at home growing tall and vibrant. If you’re feeling unsure, restless, or unfulfilled, consider finding a coach to help you navigate this journey. Sometimes, a little support is all you need to discover what kind of seed you really are.
You will thrive when you live your most authentic life.
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