Plants

By Courtney Sutton

There’s something about a plant that is giving me new energy…dare I say, triggering joy.

Growing up we always had plants in the house. In fact, when I think back on it, every significant house of my childhood (grandmas, aunts, close family friends,etc) had plants in them. I honestly paid them no attention at the time nor did I consider what the plants being in those spaces could signify for me. As an adult, I am keenly aware of the nostalgia I associate with plants being in the house. 

I became a plant mom before I became a real mom. I actually got my first plant after moving solo to a new state and city and starting a new job. That move being the first time I felt like my apartment needed to feel like a home for me. When I got a plant, it did something I can not explain that just enhanced the energy and peace I felt in my space. I won’t say that I paid it a significant amount of attention or even did ample research on what to do with the plant, it was just my happy little science project at home. When I moved to another new city and state, the plant moved with me. The move was a little bit of a challenge for the plant and me (I was pregnant), but I was able to water it back to health. The plant and I continued our relationship throughout my pregnancy. I actually kept it up and did very well up to the point that my child was born and my life unexpectedly did a warp speed transition. My life change took a toll on me and my plant.

Now a little over 4 years later, I am rediscovering what and who I am, what I want, what things are for this version of me. After some time reflecting and trying on different things, I realized, having to care for my plants, in the most inexplicable way, is just my thing. The presence of that one little plant I had in those big moments of transition, grounded me, and became an intricate part of my wellness. I realized that I’d lost that part of my wellness in adding the responsibilities of motherhood into my life and I missed it. So I started buying new plants. What started as one quickly became a small collection that now adds greenery to just about every room in my house. Caring for these plants has become the life lesson I didn’t expect. Life is consistent in throwing unexpected plot twists. Maintaining my plants continues to demonstrate my ability to to pivot and redefine things when I need to for the health of my plants. And let me be transparent in saying, that is a consistent struggle, that sometimes feels burdensome, but I know that adjustments are needed for my plants to thrive. Much like my plant collection needs different space, and watering patterns at different times of the year, I realize that me and my needs tend to have a similar cycle. Some weeks or months, I need time to slowly blossom into a new way of being, while other times, I am in full bloom and ready to take on the world. Over the course of this relationship with my plants, I’ve noticed that holding the space for my plants to thrive, also helps me to honor the space I need for my own growth. Just the task of having to water the plants forces me to slow down, and be in the moment- which I often need, but also don’t always allow time for. 

Beyond just caring for the plants; the plants themselves give me an appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of nature. Just seeing plants in a space, for me, serves as a reminder of the simplicity of what it truly means to be alive. That to be alive and growing, does not require a lot of fancy gadgets or accolades-but that  life can be just as good and fulfilling with just some water, fresh air, and good company. Plants remind me  that I can be energized and renewed by the little things- the memories of my childhood, the innocence of my child discovering the world. What plants provide is a reminder to remain grounded in what really matters to me.  

These plants are my bridge between who and what I have been and who and what I am becoming. Plant care, albeit new to my adult life, feels like a testament to my own evolution. My plants remind me that no matter how the world around me changes, I, like my plants, don’t need much to adapt and continue to thrive. 

I invite you to reflect on what are some things that help you adapt? What re-energizes you when you need it? What do you need to feel alive and well?  Check out The Voice of Self Care for some re-energizing tips.