Another morning of stinking rain, so I am sitting here and just looking at pictures the wife took of our flowers yesterday. One of which is the lead for this post. The thought struck me that there is so much elegance and resilience in a flower and how it blooms. Sitting here I think my journey is much like a blooming flower that needs to be nurtured to make it to full bloom and become its best version.
Reflection is something I do a great deal as part of my self-therapy. I do a lot deep thinking about to better understand myself on this journey as I am moving forward. More so now than I probably have previously in my life. I am taking each day step by step, and setting one little goal at a time, day by day. Doing this has made everything less overwhelming and makes the goal of recovery and reaching “full bloom” feel much more achievable.
Being that I have been isolated, my growth has been stunted. Relationships truly make our lives worth living, I think. Most of my life has been filled with supportive people who have believed in me or inspired me to “bloom”. Their support or guidance has always pushed me to meet new challenges and overcome obstacles. As I come out of my isolation, I can feel that support once again, which means it will be easier for me to bloom the more I am out of this isolation of mine.
Caring for my mental health has become a priority in my life. I have prioritized nourishing my mind with positive thoughts, experiences, information, and restfulness. I try to spend more time doing things that are relaxing and bring me happiness, which is easy to do since I am in early retirement due to my medical condition.
No, the journey is not perfect. There are setbacks, but they are not failures, just lessons learned and opportunities for my continued growth. This new journey has allowed me to have a more resilient and positive mindset. This gives me the ability to come back stronger than before It also gives me the ability to be more gracious and appreciative for the blessings in my life.
Like the flower blooming, I am still a work in progress and have a way to go until I reach a full bloom and may never reach it, but I am trying every day.
Thanks,
Joe
Note: Image is a photo taken by my wife of flowers in our back yard
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