Thursday, July 22

Blooming


The reality of life is that we all start from different places, travel at different paces, and have different destinations. Despite these facts, many people constantly try to compare themselves to others in regards to where they are in their own lives.

Trying to measure ourselves up to others is like comparing the beauty of a daffodil to a daisy. Who's to say which bloom is more appealing? Better to celebrate the individual beauty of each one, and just be thankful they bloomed.

It's quite common for people to hit middle-age and begin reflecting on their lives, wishing they'd gone down roads that, at the time, seemed too bumpy to maneuver instead of opting for the shortcut. Sadly, many then feel it's too late to try again, and instead spend years being frustrated, disappointed, and resentful.
One of my favorite quotes for late bloomers is this: "There is an immeasurable distance between late and too late."

If you're breathing, it's not too late.

So what if you didn't go to college and get a fancy degree? So what if you've never worked outside the home? So what if you've had a troubled upbringing that never encouraged success?

You can bloom where you're planted.

Better to be the rogue flower bursting forth in the desert, than a tulip among a field of hundreds of thousands just alike- where it's difficult to be seen as an individual, and all the subtle nuances that create your own unique beauty get lost among the many.

14 comments:

Yenta Mary said...

"You can bloom where you're planted." Thank you! I needed that very message at this very moment. I always, always get something meaningful from your posts ... :)

Karen Mortensen said...

What Mary said. You are always an inspiration to me.

Team Chastain said...

Mary, thank you for this comment. If you could see the smile it put on my face to read it...Wow! Just...thanks! :)

Karen, ***hugs*** The feeling is mutual.

Corine Moore said...

I love it! This is just beautiful! I wrote something that I think you would really enjoy; I'm going to blog it, just for you. I will go and do it now, then come back and tell you what it is called. Thanks for sharing!!! Corine :D

Corine Moore said...

Hi. It's me atain. :D I just posted this for you (almost posted it earlier... )
http://corinesmiles.blogspot.com/2010/07/defining-moments-in-my-minds-eye.html

And, I'm going to post another one for you which I wrote last year. I'll send you the lind to that as well. I really hope you enjoy these. You have a beautiful spirit, and I think you will find value in them.
Corine :D

Judith C Evans said...

As of this moment, I am determined to "bloom where I'm planted"!! Thanks for this post, which provided a needed jump start to my day. :)

jamfiescreations1 said...

What beautiful flowers. I now follow your blog from Over 40 Bloggers.

Blessings, Mary O

www.jamfiescreations1.blogspot.com

KyAnn (like Cayenne Pepper, only HOTTER) said...

I love love love this post. I am all about blooming where you are planted! Found you on one of the Friday Follows. I'm your newest follower on your super awesome blog!

KyAnn

http://checketts-myers-clan.blogspot.com

Favourite Vintage Finds said...

Hello Michele,

I'm so glad I popped in here from Lady Bloggers Tea Party! Your words are beautifully inspiring and I'm looking forward to reading more.

Best wishes, Carla. :)

Myrna R. said...

You wouldn't believe how much I needed your words. Now I'm determined to blossom, right here in the desert (where I live). Thanks always for your thoughts.

Manzanita said...

You have good ideas and well put forward. I enjoy your blog. Manzanita

Unknown said...

I have tried to take that "bloom where you are planted" perspective a lot the last few months. Recently divorced...happy moving on...yet have days of "what if" or "I wish"...

so...I may not be where I thought I would be...or where I want to be...but I still am...and I can take root here and make things happen for better for myself.

Use what God gives you. You'll be surprised at what it turns into.

Unknown said...

Great reminder that it's never too late. When I was in college (something that I should return to) there was a student who was somewhere around 72, the oldest student in the school. Some would have said he was too old, but there he was getting a degree. It really is never too late!
Stopping by from the LBS tea party to say hi!

Judith C Evans said...

Just stopping by again to let you know I've nominated you for a blog award. Hope you'll stop by my blog to accept your award :)