I failed, yet in my rejection of societal expectations, a tiny seed was planted. What if these 'failures' are simply detours on life’s journey? What if society’s definition of ‘success’ is too narrow?
Wise words indeed David. When I look back on my life so far I can't help but feel that should've followed my instincts far more often rather than succumbing to the pressures of family, peers and society.
Thank you for sharing and for the reminder that external validation is not a measure of success. It has been a learning for me along the way too. I also identify a lot with the need for autumn and winter, after spending much of my 20s/early 30s in an endless summer, it took me some time to realise the value of rest and stillness ✨
There’s a song whose refrain is “Thanksgiving for every wrong move.” I often remind myself that being outside of the lines is not failure, just a different way to see and live. A perfect read.
'It isn’t that nature fails to bloom in winter; it’s simply a season for pausing and preparation. Trees must shed leaves to rest, but seeds must break open to grow.'
I have found winters especially hard after an autoimmune diagnosis led to me not being able to get outside in winter. I've always been a gardener, and this quote resonated with me today more than I expected. I need to be kinder to myself and remember that in order to enjoy the beauty of spring, everything needs a bit of a rest, including myself.
Such a beautiful read. I was reading recently the closing chapters of The Body Keeps The Score (Van der Kolk) he references how focused we are in modern society on teaching children to be independent, where of course this is important, the most balanced and content people are highly skilled in interdependence. That as humans we need each other. Also our boys are being herded into homework they have absolutely no interest in doing so this was a tonic of a read. And I'm enjoying listening to the piece of music, thank you.
‘Look out of the window to the trees, the plants, the insects, and the birds; nature thrives through its ecosystems. A forest is more than a single tree.’
Wise words indeed David. When I look back on my life so far I can't help but feel that should've followed my instincts far more often rather than succumbing to the pressures of family, peers and society.
I think I do that too sometimes 🌱 Thank you for reading 🙏🌿
This is really gently powerful, David. Thank you for sharing this—really resonates.
Thank you so much 🙏🌸
This was a great read, David. It is a fantastic reminder that some things in life are just simply redirections.
I think that’s a lovely way to put it ✨ Thank you for reading 🙏🌿
I relate to so much of what you say in this post. A beautiful read, thank you for sharing 🙏
Thank you 🙏🌿
Thank you for sharing and for the reminder that external validation is not a measure of success. It has been a learning for me along the way too. I also identify a lot with the need for autumn and winter, after spending much of my 20s/early 30s in an endless summer, it took me some time to realise the value of rest and stillness ✨
It’s definitely been a long journey, for all of us 🙏🌿
This was a lovely read David, thank you ✨
Thank you 🙏✨
There’s a song whose refrain is “Thanksgiving for every wrong move.” I often remind myself that being outside of the lines is not failure, just a different way to see and live. A perfect read.
Love that, yes! Thank you for reading 🙏🌿
Great strength and very thoughtful.
It’s brave to recognise when something isn’t for you and courageous to forge another path. A really important and wonderful piece.
Yes, that’s true, and I hadn’t thought of it like that. Thank you for reading 🙏✨
There is so much societal expectation on productivity and perfection isn't there, is it any wonder we feel like a failure at one time or another?
"I have no regrets. I look back on that time in my life with a certain amount of thankfulness".
The decisions made then set you on a path and lead you to where you are today. I agree, every decision we make sets a seed for the next chapter.
A great piece David.
Yes, that’s so true. Growth can’t come without planting a seed. Thank you for reading 🙏🌿
You’re very welcome 😊
'It isn’t that nature fails to bloom in winter; it’s simply a season for pausing and preparation. Trees must shed leaves to rest, but seeds must break open to grow.'
I have found winters especially hard after an autoimmune diagnosis led to me not being able to get outside in winter. I've always been a gardener, and this quote resonated with me today more than I expected. I need to be kinder to myself and remember that in order to enjoy the beauty of spring, everything needs a bit of a rest, including myself.
This was a lovely piece, thank you for sharing.
It’s not easy, and this past winter felt especially difficult. Thank you for reading 🙏🌿
Such a beautiful read. I was reading recently the closing chapters of The Body Keeps The Score (Van der Kolk) he references how focused we are in modern society on teaching children to be independent, where of course this is important, the most balanced and content people are highly skilled in interdependence. That as humans we need each other. Also our boys are being herded into homework they have absolutely no interest in doing so this was a tonic of a read. And I'm enjoying listening to the piece of music, thank you.
‘Look out of the window to the trees, the plants, the insects, and the birds; nature thrives through its ecosystems. A forest is more than a single tree.’
What a lovely reminder David, thank you!
Thank you 🙏🌿