Be Like a Dandelion
It was a dark and gloomy winter evening and I had RSVP’d for a local “networking” event in the new small town I had recently moved to. I thought showing up would be the first great step to meeting interesting new folks, right?
Well, the first person I met proclaimed without hesitation “I hope we won’t hear from any athletes about how the last few years have been like running a marathon where the last miles are the hardest and other optimistic quoteables”. Gulp. I’m sure I’ve riffed on some variation of this in front of hundreds of people by now.
Now, it is now spring! I still live in this great small town, though I have yet to return to any “networking” events. I have however joined the local Gardeners Club where the average age is 70 years young and the conversation is tubular, pollinating and soil-rich! So instead of sharing metaphors to marathons, I’ve garnered (err, gardened!) some new insights on weeds that I thought you might appreciate.
You see, my backyard is covered in dandelions. Most folks see these “flowers” as pesky weeds that are notorious for invading (unhealthy) lawns and gardens. Yet they are far too abundant and wise to be relegated to such a title as “weed”, in my opinion.
They are resilience, defined. Known for their ability to grow in almost any environment, they have the ability to adapt and BLOSSOM when all the odds are against them. In fact, they grow bigger and taller and brighter than many well-tended flowers in my garden. Their goal is so simple: GROW!
They are relentless innovators. Dandelions have a unique way of spreading their seeds, using their fluffy white "parachutes" to float in the wind and travel to new locations. They somehow go from growing abundantly in one area, with the help of one gust of wind to covering an entire new section of grass. However, they know when it’s their time. When the sun is out, so are they. When the night falls, they too go to sleep. It’s quite magical to witness!
They are committed to growth. Did you know that dandelions are a symbol of growth and change, actually? They remind us that even when things seem hopeless, there is always room for growth and improvement.
They serve a great purpose! They possess a positive impact! Dandelions may be small, but they sure are mighty. They provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies and other insects. Their roots can help aerate the soil. Their small contribution to your space is in fact very interconnected – just like us.
This human experience is a wild ride these days. The market continues to grow – sometimes with visible flowers and other times, seemingly covered in weeds. I’m certain the lessons and metaphors of dandelions run true – grow grow grow and be kind to the critters of all shapes and sizes along the way. Soon you will be plucked, mowed or pummelled over and the season of dandelions will be gone!
Wishing you all the same focus and gumption of our favourite weeds in this chapter of your life,
Steph
