Lessons from my vegetable garden
We planted out the vegetable garden last weekend and after a long but thoroughly enjoyable day with my hands in the dirt (broken up by a family swim at the beach and of course multiple snack breaks!), I came to realise that the vegetable garden is one place in my life where I let go of my need to do everything "right" or do it "perfectly". There are so many areas of life where I hesitate (this blog for example) and ponder over whether I know everything I need to know to get started and succeed instantly, or if I have it all mapped out so I know where I'm heading. Growing food? Less so.
I have my annual routines that work well for me. I have a thriving garden that produces an abundance of delicious vegetables. Am I doing it the "right" way? For me, yes. Could I be doing it "better"? Absolutely. Could I be doing "more"? 100%. Does any of this stop me from getting in and enjoying myself and the fruits (or vegetables) of my labour? Not in the slightest. And I found this such an interesting lesson. After all, feeding and nourishing ourselves is literally key to our survival as human beings, yet I can approach it with such ease and a "have a go and see what happens" attitude. I'm happy to learn from my mistakes.
Anywhere else in life? Nope, no thank you. I am not willing to put myself out there unless I KNOW that I am good at it and can succeed first time. Things that have zero impact on my survival, but could have people talking about me, or a notch of "failure" on my record. Go figure.
I'm making more of a conscious effort to give things a go. To be ok with putting myself out there. Even if it's hard or new or scary. Not just for me, but because I want my kids to have a go at new things too. Because I've learnt the one thing that's worse... Looking at where you are now and wondering where you could have been if you just took the plunge when it first appeared on your radar.
Is this relatable to you? Are there areas of your life where perfection is more important than having a go? Let me know.
J xx
