All plants start off as tiny seeds. Even the already-blooming plants you can buy at the store were once a seed. All seeds are similar, but they have differences too.

People are the same.

Our Beginning

As humans, we are all very different. We have different skin and hair, we have different personality traits, we are at different points in our life…and the list goes on and on. But, despite our many differences, we all have at least one thing in common. Each of us started as tiny “seeds”. 

We all need some basic things to survive, yet your needs are not the exact same as the person sitting in the cubicle or desk or pew or whatever beside you. When we take a closer look at seeds, we see this as well.

From tiny Seeds to growing Plants

If a seed isn’t planted, it can’t grow. A seed that stays in the packet or on the plant will stay a seed forever. Even a seed that is simply thrown on the ground has a chance to grow. But, leaving the packet (or the plant) is the first step to growth. Or, say, a comfort zone. Seeds don’t have much control over whether or not they leave their original environment, but people often do. 

The second thing a seed has to have in order to grow is soil. The type of soil varies based on the seed’s specific needs. Many seeds thrive in dark soil, such as potting soil. Some can live in rocky soil; others, such as baby’s breath, need a sandy soil. Some plants can survive in just water, such as an avocado tree in the beginning. No matter what type, every seed needs some sort of environment to live in, and in order to bloom, it needs to be an environment well suited for that specific seed.

Sunlight and Water

Not only does a plant require soil to grow, but it needs a combination of water and sunlight as well. Yet, each plant needs a varying amount of each so it can thrive. Certain plants need very little sun or water, such as the pothos plant, and some need quite a lot. Humans are also in need of certain things, in varying degrees, for our survival and ultimately our growth as people. For me personally, I need a relationship with God to thrive. I need to know He loves me unconditionally and need to spend time with Him to better myself in all areas of life. It is also essential for me to be diligent in going to counseling and putting what we discuss into practice so that I will be healthier overall. And, I have to take time by myself to recharge my batteries and process things I’m going through. 

Fertilizer

Plants thrive and grow even more when they are given specific fertilizer. This isn’t a necessity for them, but it does aid in the overall process. I equate these to lesser needs, things I don’t require to survive; these are more so things that help me be my best self. An example of a fertilizer in my life would be an encouraging community that I can walk through life with. 

Plants and People

We “seeds” have many similarities, but we are each unique and special. Just like we do research to care best for our plants, we also have to show ourselves that same type of diligence and care. Determine if you are in an environment that you can grow in. Take inventory of things in your life that you need to survive and things you need to thrive; add more of those things and remove things that are harming you or preventing you from growing. Take care of yourself as much as you take care of your plants. They have a distinct purpose, and so do you!

Related Posts: A Plant Lady in the Making; Rooted; Top 10 Self-Care Tips for Mental Health