In my last post, I said that just as in nature, the seasons of our life are cyclical. Each season also has its own purpose and impact. I reminded us that in order to grow, we need both rain (challenges/boundaries/correction etc.) and sunshine (abundance/ blessings/good times etc.) in the right proportions. What are you to those in your life? Are you rain and sunshine in the right proportions, therefore, helping them to grow? Or are your excessive amounts of each, which can be harmful? Or are you just plain poisonous? As I am writing this, it is raining. It is not yet the rainy season here in Trinidad and Tobago; but without fail, every year during the month of April, we get some rain. It is usually referred to as April showers. I see it as a reminder that the rainy season is approaching. It is time to bloom.
You Will Bloom in Your Season
Here in Trinidad and Tobago, around April, the poui tree and some other flowering plants bloom beautifully and reach their peak. The yellow poui, stands majestically, its crown of brilliant yellow flowers beaming like a ray of sunshine. The pink poui is equally as stunning. The flowers fall to the ground creating a bed, that is aesthetically appealing, as well as soothing to the mind and senses. At the Botanic Gardens, the petrea plants which line one of the walkways, are a sight to behold. The clusters of tiny flowers in shades of purple, will take your breath away.
What I have observed, is that despite the harsh dry season, these trees and plants bloom exactly when they are supposed to. They never delay. They are always right on cue. The dry season and the lack of rainfall, never stop them from blooming.
If you are going through a particularly dry, messy or difficult season in your life right now, continue to do the work, do not give up, for at the right time, just like the poui and other flowering plants, you will bloom. But, you must continue to tend your soil. Don't let that dream die. Don't let that ambition die. Don't allow your spirit to be broken. Tend your soil. You will bloom in due season.
Poui in bloom
April Showers of Blessings
I said before that the April showers are a reminder that the rainy season is approaching. Don't take your April showers for granted. You know what I'm talking about. It is the little signs that indicate that the dry season will come to and end soon. It could be a conversation with a stranger, a connection at the right time, that you did not expect to make. It could be words of validation or encouragement from someone, just at the time that you need it, or a confirmation that you have made the right decision or that you are headed in the right direction. It could be this blogpost you are reading right now, which probably found you at the opportune time. It could be a friend stopping by when your day seems especially gloomy.
Based on your personal season, if you are observant you will recognize your April showers of blessings. They remind you that the rain is about to come. They remind you that the season is about to change. Assume a posture of anticipation, and when your April showers of blessings come, be grateful for them. If you are not careful you can miss them. I don't want you to miss them. They are just as important as the rainy season and the sunshine. Your journey is just as important as your destination. They provide hope, encouragement, blessings, important lessons and growth.
Petrea plant in bloom. Image courtesy my friend Samanta
Be Rain and Sunshine, Not Poison
Who are you to those in your life? Rain and sunshine in the right proportions? Or excessive amounts of each, which can be harmful, or just plain poisonous?
One of the best things we can do for ourselves even when we are in our dry season is to be rain and sunshine to those around us. Be frank and honest as is needed; set your boundaries, but do it in love. Speak words of life and encouragement to others. Do not spew hate, anger and bitterness because of the season that you're in.
Look for your April showers, remind yourself that your season of rain and blessing is coming, and help water somebody else in the meantime. I know this is a difficult one, because we have a natural tendency as human beings towards selfishness. We see our own pain, our own struggles and become so narrow in our focus, that it consumes us and spills over as hate, anger, bitterness and so much more; that unfortunately we spew upon others. But, we have the power to avoid this from happening.
We just need to be observant of our actions and purpose within ourselves to be the rain and sunshine in the right proportions, and not be poison. Don't forget that it is always possible to course correct. We can't take back our actions or harsh words spoken, but we can ask for forgiveness and do better moving forward. When we encourage others, we are encouraging ourselves, when we love on others we are loving ourselves ~ Tabitha Brown. Who knows, by watering and shining light upon someone else, you might activate your April showers and even usher in your season of rain. What I mean is, blessings follow blessings, good follows good. Always! You will never plant an apple tree and reap oranges.
In Your Dry Season, Don't Feel Unworthy
Don't let the season you are in convince you that you are unworthy. I remember when I felt like that. Now I know that I am worthy, and so are you.
You may feel unworthy because you are struggling. You feel like you don't belong in a certain room or that you have nothing worthwhile to say. You are wrong. You are worthy! You do have something of value to say, and to share with the world. Your struggles have allowed you to develop important life skills, seek them out. Your struggles have allowed you to relate to some people and to reach some people on a level that others will not be able to.
Your experiences have allowed you to see through different eyes, they have allowed you a unique perspective. They have allowed you to develop your problem solving skills, communication skills and so much more. Seek out your skills, hone them. Go ahead, accept that opportunity; because you are worthy, you have a unique perspective. They see something in you, and that is why they sought you out for that opportunity. Let the light in you shine forth.You don't have to wait till the season has changed. Go ahead and act now. If you need a moment for rejuvenation or to take care of yourself, do that, but do not pass up on an opportunity because of your season in life, or because you feel unworthy.
In Closing...
Though you may be in your dry season right now, your April showers will come and you will bloom in due season. In the meantime, be both rain and sunshine in the right proportions to those in your life; while shunning the proclivity towards anger, hate, bitterness and the like.
And finally, take time to recharge when you need to, but don't ever think yourself unworthy or let an opportunity pass you by, just because you are going through a difficult season. Your experiences have allowed you to develop a unique set of skills and perspective. This just may be your time to shine, activating your April showers and ushering you into your new season.
Pink Poui. Image courtesy my daughter Mc Kayla
Thank you for visiting and reading my blog. If you find value here, please share it with a friend. Comments are always welcomed.
Until next time ~ Namaste🙏
No comments:
Post a Comment