Baby orchids that grace our dining room table

April has come, and Spring is in full force. We have once again made it through the coldest months of the year, and now can look forward to warmer and longer days and the outdoor activities they bring. We are enjoying the beauty of the flowers and trees as they awaken from their dormant state. The awakening of the flowers and trees may mimic our awakening. If we have been dormant during the winter, it is now time to bloom, to bloom where we are planted.  To be the best version of our self.

Being the best version of oneself is hard work. Just like many other things, it is easier to talk about than to do. But also, like many other things, to accomplish it, we have to get started. To bloom where we are planted implies being our best, and doing our best. As you read this and think about it, what is the message that rings true for you? What does this mean for you?

You may already be your best self. If so, you know it. You wake up every day energized and are making important things happen. Your life is about positivity. People are attracted to your energy. You have a positive relationship with yourself and with others. You are already blooming where you are planted. If this describes you, congratulations. Your life is a testament to this message. Affirm that whatever got you where you are will remain a priority. 

One of our Chinese Snowball bushes almost in full bloom

Maybe you are not yet where you want to be on this journey, but you are in process. You have begun this journey and are making daily progress. Your destination is clear. You only need more time to be who you want to be. You are making the changes that need to be made to be your best self. As you read this, your resolve is reinforced that you are on the right path. There is no need for concern that you have not arrived yet at who you want to be, since you know real meaningful change takes time. You take comfort in the knowledge that you have begun, and you believe that you will be successful.

A wedding arrangement in our hotel in Cartagena

There are likely some reading this who have not begun yet, but want to. The rest of this is for you. There are three things that can be done to increase the likelihood that you will be successful.

First, decide what changes you need to make in your life to be your best and start. You can start by deciding to make one change that will improve things for you and make that change.  One example is deciding what needs to be eliminated from your life to be your best, and move in that direction. It can be eating in instead of eating out if you want to reduce your debt. Or eliminating dessert and fried foods from your diet if you want to lose weight. Or taking courses towards a degree if you want to complete a college degree. 

One of our Easter table decorations

The second change that you can make is to monitor your progress in writing. Set tangible goals for the changes that you want to make and write them down. While it is tempting to think that you can monitor your progress by keeping it all in your head, research proves otherwise. Write it down and stay on top of it consistently. You will be more successful if you do so.

The third change that can be made is to make slow progress; yes slow, not fast. Behavioral change is the hardest change to make, and slow, incremental, and steady is best. Just like a runner that starts off fast and gives out quickly, if we try to make too much change too quickly, we can give out from the sheer rapidity of the massive change. It is better to make steady progress, even if it is slow, than it is to make fast change that is not maintained. 

Outdoor beauty

As we embrace this season of spring, may you bloom where you are planted, whatever that means to you.  And enjoy the journey!