One Minute of Joy On Growing: Prepare the ground...

"Motivational quotes are like seeds. They will only 

take root in fertile soil."

~Lisa Layden

The average human grows physically until they are around 18 years old.

After that, we add or subtract muscles and fat, but we are about as tall as we are ever going to be. Physically, we are set. Ah, but the organ between our ears can still make many changes. Our minds have the incredible capacity to continue to grow and expand up and until the day, we stop breathing. And as I considered this, I realized how the only thing stopping our growth is the desire to grow. 

To make a place, a garden in our mind, where we allow seeds to take root.

I thought of this as I was surveying my actual garden spot in the backyard yesterday. I had all of the elements needed to get the ball rolling for a great season of growing stuff. The sun was out, I had put down compost, it had rained just enough to make the ground moist, and I was feeling very energetic. But much like my fifty-something-year-old mind, the soil needed some more work before I threw down the seeds and plants. There were weeds for one thing. Even those kind of cute ones with blossoms could not stay if I were going to get a good crop of nutritious veggies this year. They didn't come out easy, but I pulled and took a hoe to each one until the garden spot was free of them.

I think sometimes we forget about the weeds in our minds that need to be pulled - roots and all.

They might be distractions, or silly stresses, or perhaps severe addictions. But regardless of how pretty they might appear, they will steal the will and energy you need to get growing. If it's time to add some new seeds, you need to start by weeding. 

You might develop a few blisters. You'll probably sweat a little. But it will be worth it in the end.

And then, there's the Tiller....

Cheers.