It goes without saying that plants can vary in shape, colour and function. Some plants are good for hedging, creating privacy or protection for a piece of land. Some plants have medicinal qualities or help to add flavour to food. Other plants simply bring joy through their beauty and fragrance. And many provide pollen for bees or food for us humans.
It would make no sense at all placing hedging plants in the middle of a flower bed and being cross that they are taking over and over-shadowing other flowers. Equally, it would be unwise to add foxgloves to your food as it’s known to be poisonous!
Like plants, us humans are also gifted with different talents and different qualities. I’ve often said that my children are pretty lucky to have parents that have different skills as they’ve nearly always got somebody nearby who can help with their homework. That said, they’re a bit scuppered if their dad is away and they need help with a tricky maths problem…!
So, what can we learn from the diversity of plants?
1) Get to know your natural skills, qualities and passions. If you don’t know what kind of plant you are (metaphorically speaking) then take some time to reflect on what subjects you enjoyed doing at school or what hobbies you excelled at. What did you do well and when did you feel fulfilled? Ask trusted friends and family what they think your qualities are.
2) Position yourself to shine. If you have a natural talent for maths but find writing tedious then chances are you’d be unhappy in a role as a journalist but content in a position that focuses on working with numbers. It’s okay not to do the same job as your friends or as generations of family members before you. You’ll shine best when you’re able to apply your skills, qualities and passions.
3) Remember that it’s good to be different! If the only plant around was a rose, the world might look and smell beautiful but we’d be less satisfied at mealtimes! Learn to appreciate and celebrate your differences rather than comparing and competing with those around you.
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