Scheffleras & african violets…

I want to experiment with organizing my life around my strengths.

An example:

I have a Schefflera plant in my dining room which is thriving despite my almost total neglect of it. Yes, I do occasionally water it, but besides that, nada! And yet, it persists in growing and appearing healthy. When I look at it (which is often these days as I frequently find myself at the dining room table studying for the health & wellness coach certifying exam), it gives me pleasure. I love having a bit of nature indoors with me. I think, “I’m the kind of person who can have plants in her home.” I feel warm and fuzzy and content.

I also have a small African violet plant atop the wicker chest that sits under one of the windows in my bedroom. In contrast to the Schefflera plant, the African violet is not thriving. It looks stunted and undernourished despite the fact that I give both plants the same exact care (if you can call it that) and attention. Looking at the African violet brings me no joy; in fact, getting a glimpse of it can start some pretty severe internal scolding for not being a better caretaker. This results in my feeling like a bad person and my mood takes a momentary dip.

So, here’s what I’m thinking, I can bully myself into “doing better,” or I can acknowledge and accept that, all things being equal, I’m unlikely to make plant care a high priority at this time. There is something very freeing about moving with one’s strengths instead of always shoring up one’s weaknesses.

Next step – filling my house with Schefflera plants or at least giving away that poor African violet!