A Beautiful Life Surprise

I recently started gardening and like most activities I undertake it went from 0 to 100 really quickly. First there were 2 plants and then there were 200 (give or take a few). Gardening aligns with my mainly introverted personality. However, there are several reasons it continually lures me in:

No Pressure to Be Good

There is a peace in doing something for the sheer love without trying to be amazing. I truly am enjoying the journey of gardening without trying to be the best gardener out there. Given my track record I am just happy when the plants survive. I do try to improve but it’s my own quiet journey and I gain delight when I implement my learnings and see beautiful results.

Peace

I feel like gardening is a form of meditation in that it transports me to a world of peace. Watering my plants or pruning doesn’t take a lot of thought or perhaps I use different parts of my brain not typically used during office hours. I’ve had a friend tell me just use my irrigation system to water my plants. This however would detract from those moments of peace I gain from simply mindlessly walking around with a hose or watering can.

Healthy Harvest

The joy that comes from cooking something I’ve grown is next level happiness for me. Even if it’s not great it always tastes the sweetest. I’m on a journey to grow more of my own food.

I didn’t go in search of a hobby; it honestly just happened. For me it’s always a delight when events unfold in this way, it’s like a beautiful life surprise that gives extended happiness. I didn’t wake up one morning and say “I need something to fill my time,” and actively pursue this path; I started with 2 plants – lime and rosemary – rational choices as these are inputs I use in dishes. Other plants came through support of charity and it simply took off from there, fast gaining a life of its own. Now I have plans given how everything has unfolded, a natural evolution – the value I derive and my enjoyment keeps pulling me in deeper. There’s a lesson here in how we approach life. I’ll leave you with that food for thought.