Planting your own garden...

"Plant your own garden."

After A While

by Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while, you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.
And futures have a way of falling down in midflight.
After a while, you learn
That even the sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure ...
That you really are strong.
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn ...
With every goodbye you learn.

Creators Syndicate Inc.


You've probably heard that poem before, but this one line really struck a chord in me...

"So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul."

That is what we all must do. Each and every one of us MUST take the time to be honest with ourselves and figure out what works for us. Search your soul. Figure out what makes you tick and what fascinates you. Don't get into something just because everyone else thinks it's what you should do. Do what you love and this will let your true self shine through.

Very often I recall this story. I came upon it soon after I made the decision to follow my dream and start my own business. I couldn't figure out what kind of business I wanted to start, but I knew I had to figure out something. I read story upon story about how people got their ideas for their businesses. But this story was my favorite and I always remembered it. I'm sure it's not an accurate accounting of what happened, but it goes something like this...

This couple had a home in the woods and their home was surrounded by trees. They loved the setting and were very content with how their lives were turning out. Then one spring along came a terrible storm and with it a tornado that tore out all of the beautiful trees that surrounded their home and their property.

They were very upset and saddened and felt that their beautiful little world was destroyed. As the weeks passed they worked hard at cleaning up the huge mess. They weren't happy about it, but they had to accept that they couldn't change things. They had to hunker down and forge ahead and play the hand that was dealt to them.

As the weeks passed summer was soon upon them. Along with the summer came the bright sun which for years and years was hidden behind the trees. The light and warmth of the sun shone down onto the fertile land. As the sun did it's job the most beautiful wildflowers began to sprout up everywhere. They didn't know what they were, but they loved them and were fascinated with their beauty. They chose to harvest the seeds and plant more across their land. In researching they discovered that these wildlfowers were very rare and very hard to find. They harvested more of the seeds and began selling them. Their business became a great success. Out of something bad came something wonderful! What they had initially viewed as devastating ended up being a blessing.

So whatever your situation just hang in there and believe that things happen for a reason.

Have a wonderful day!!
Jane