Even Self-Proclaimed Optimists Need A Good Role Model
Take Pen to Paper: Edition 7
I love plants. I don’t understand them.
Years ago, my son brought home a tree to plant from his kindergarten Arbor Day presentation. I use the word “tree” loosely. My son showed me a stick wrapped in a wet, paper towel.
Out of earshot of my son, I asked my husband, “Will this grow?” I wanted to avoid being overly optimistic with my son.
I heard, “Sure,” as they walked off together to plant the stick in a pot.
Eleven months later we moved 550 miles with a baby oak tree in a pot. We planted it in our new yard. After 9 years, my son’s tree was 7 feet tall. We were sad to leave it when we moved.
My husband loves bringing plants to life. I question him. He says, “give it time.”
He knows plants. I should trust his judgment. Five years ago, I doubted again. At our new home, the bushes in the established front bed succumbed to a mysterious blight. A small, unhealthy camellia was left. One small branch had life.
I suggested my husband pull it up and replace it.
“No, I’m going to bring it back. You’ll see.”
The picture above is the first camelia bloom after 3 years of care. The picture below was taken today. The camellia is taller and covered in buds and blooms.
My role model of optimism reminds me with knowledge, work, and patience, we make life better.
7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good
I’m grateful for my optimistic gardener.
It’s good to share memories with family and friends. Stories bring us together.
“You can choose to focus on your positive thoughts.” One gem stated in Time and Attention podcast: Self-Talk. Around 6 minutes in the hosts begin talking about self-talk.
I don’t follow NASCAR, but what Ross Chastain pulled off in the final qualifying race for the championship is the result of either optimism, knowledge, skill, sheer daring, or a combination. Ethan Siegel explains in this Big Think: Starts With A Bang article.
With the holiday season approaching, it’s a good time to donate useable clothing and items to thrift stores.
Comforting foods are good and Fall is the perfect time to start serving them. Do you have a favorite?
I’m grateful for my love of reading. It opens my world in so many ways.
Thanks for reading!
Be a good role model for someone in your life!
OMG! I had skipped the headline... 😂
I feel grateful I updated my reading of your newsletter.
Such a wonderful role model you have at home. 😍
I wrote this... 9 years ago (when doing clever, and maybe not clear, headlines). Translated by Google, original in Spanish: https://hijosdeevayadan-org.translate.goog/2013/10/04/de-fracturas-y-unicornios-la-felicidad-al-alcance-de-nuestra-mente/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=es&_x_tr_pto=wapp
I think I should repurpose it (I wrote over 500 blog posts at that time, not all of them will do for an Atomic Essay, but that's definitely something I should consider).
BTW, the first line also brought to my mind something I often think when "hearing/reading" about plants. I think it was from a movie I saw, I just browsed the original source recently: Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died. Erma Bombeck (when I first heard of it I immediately thought, "oh, wait, this is absolutely me", I haven't changed much since that time, regarding plants...).