Power of the Seed

With spring around the corner, my mind shifted to the metaphor of the garden.

During this time, experts and novices peruse the internet or stores to pick the seeds of their choice. Some are only interested in flowers, some want to plant fruits and veggies, and some are audacious enough to plant a tree. Whatever the choice, they know they have work to do.

I'm not a gardener myself, but according to Google, when selecting seeds, one must ensure the climate's soil is compatible and that whatever is being planted is in the sun's view.

After all the research, then comes the digging—12 to 18 inches, depending on whether the seeds are annuals or perennials, and even deeper for trees. After digging, there's watering, ensuring the fertilizer is accurate, and protecting what's planted from vermin.

Then comes the waiting and watering, then waiting some more and watering some more, and so on. When your seed has sprouted, there is excitement, but that doesn't mean the watering has ended. Now the time has come, and what has sprouted has multiplied by what was planted.

You may be wondering, "Girl, what is your point?" And I would simply respond by saying, "Don't quit."

Gardening is a lot like your goals. When we start on a goal, there is audaciousness and ambition fueled by the plethora of possibilities in the unknown. Enthusiastic, you research and gather all you need to begin the journey. It involves a ton of trial and error as you make sure your endeavor makes sense in your niche and aligns with the direction of the sun to grow.

After all the hard work, this is the part where most get lost—thinking the waiting and watering period has ended. Each day, you are waiting for the expected success and watering your endeavor. When it's a team of one doing all the work, you are still watering and waiting. Through the long days and endless nights, you are still watering and waiting. While spending your last dollar, not knowing when you will see your return, you are still watering and waiting.

Then one day, you see a sprout, and it gives you a little push. But you can't get too excited because you still have to water what was planted. If you stop watering now and lose consistency, it's almost like you've wasted your time—believe me, I know. The sprout should motivate you to water more until, in due time, you will see the multiplication of your hard work.

To be transparent, this year I am curious to experience an outcome from consistency, no matter the wait. I often get beside myself in the sprouting period, celebrating that and calling it a day, not giving my seeds more time to grow to their full potential. Of course, the sprout is a win, but it's not the finale. There is still more work to do and higher heights to reach. And even when the multiplication comes forth, if you don't continue to take care of the harvest and know what to keep to yourself and share with others, it all will be for nothing.

I implore you to continue this journey. If you need a lemonade break, then take it—just keep the race, and you'll be surprised by the results.

Say What?!? Do you have a goal you've been sitting on? What is stopping you from starting? And is it the waiting period that drives the stagnation?