Choose to Bloom
“Bloom where you are planted.” is a well-known quote said by the Bishop of Geneva, Saint Francis de Sales (1567–1622).
The Bishop, encourages individuals to make the most of their current situation, regardless of their circumstances. It is a reminder that one can thrive, grow, and blossom no matter where they find themselves in life. Going through a tough divorce, in conflict with a difficult person, losing a job, dealing with challenging health, supporting a loved one that is struggling, life often throws us challenges.
The analogy of blooming is often used in reference to plants, and it is easy to see why. A flower that is planted in fertile soil, given ample water, sunlight, and care, will bloom into a beautiful, vibrant, and healthy plant. However, if the same plant is planted in poor soil, neglected, and not given the necessary resources, it will wither and die.
In the same way, humans can also thrive or wither depending on the conditions they are placed in. However, unlike plants, we have the power to change our circumstances and create the environment we need to thrive. This is where the quote "Bloom where you are planted" becomes relevant.
To bloom where you are planted means to make the most of the opportunities and resources available to you in your current situation. It means finding ways to grow, learn, and improve yourself, regardless of your circumstances. It means choosing an empowering intention for difficult situations. It means recognizing your potential and choosing to use your strengths to make a positive impact on your life and the lives of those around you.
Some practical ways to bloom where you are planted include:
Embracing change: Change is inevitable, and it is often out of our control. Instead of resisting change, learn to adapt and grow from it. This can involve learning new skills, taking on new challenges, or developing a new mindset.
Be intentional about how you choose to show up for difficult situations or even every day events and activities like greeting our children, sharing time with our partners, engaging with our parents or the bagger at the grocery store. Our way of being is a choice and choosing an empowering way to be is up to us each moment and each day.
Finding purpose: Everyone has a purpose, whether it is big or small - and it does not matter how big it is! Identify what brings you joy and fulfillment, and use that to guide your actions and decisions.
Cultivating positive relationships: The people we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our lives. Focus on building positive relationships that encourage and support your growth.
Taking action: It is easy to get stuck in a rut and feel like nothing is changing. However, taking small steps towards your goals each day can lead to significant progress over time.
In conclusion, "Bloom where you are planted" is a powerful reminder that we have the ability to thrive and grow no matter where we find ourselves in life. And our world needs YOU to bloom! Because when you bloom, you make others bloom around you. And that makes the world a better place. By choosing our intentions (ways of being), embracing change, finding purpose, cultivating positive relationships, and taking action, we can create the environment we need to flourish and live our best lives and BLOOM where we are planted.
