“Bloom where you’re planted” is a quote that I’ve heard over the past few years and in each season of life, I’ve looked respectively at these entities separately instead of as a whole. In one hand there’s our blooming; the place where we permit ourselves to become, to evolve, to test the waters of life and not allow them to wash us out. In the other hand resides the areas in which we’re planted, the specific jobs we currently work, or this particular season as a parent or wife, so on and so forth. Unfortunately, there’s no specific instruction, a YouTube video, or even a how-to article on how to fully blossom and become the ideal version of ourselves.

As a believer in Christ Jesus, I recognize reflecting the love and servanthood of the Son of God to others as the main function for the way I live my life. Wisdom’s presence along with discernment and patience is key in helping us to discover the truest version of ourselves. In addition to having the right people in your corner and a strong willingness to navigate through life despite the extra demands, requests, and stresses attempting to rip us to fragments at any moment.

For the duration of the past four years, I’ve found myself in various cities and countries surrounded by a multitude of different groups of people: attempting to discover who I am and how to saunter down my runway. What’s worked for me in one season, hasn’t benefited me in discovering myself in the next season. The world constantly changes and evolves which requires each of us to adapt and develop with it. Although I am not an expert in the “field of life” or fully knowledgeable in how to “bloom where I am planted,” I do desire to share a few things I’ve discovered and maintained while blooming.

1. For as far back as I can remember the male species attempts to show their love for their female counterparts by buying them flowers. Why? Well, because flowers are beautiful, they brighten the disposition of their receivers and their surroundings (I’m sure I read that somewhere on the internet, but you know its the internet), and they allow a woman to feel seen, thought of and desired, which are some of the deepest desires of women. I believe ladies need a gentle reminder of how we resemble a sweet flower possessing beauty and illuminating life around us.

2. Flowers blossom in the right conditions. What do I mean by this? Imagine planting a flower among weeds or inadequate soil, will the flower truly grow the way one desires? Definitely not! Planting a flower in the correct soil will allow for the flower to fully take root and bloom for that season, and the seasons to come. As believers, it is important for us to take root in the right conditions, among the right people, and in the atmospheres where we will truly thrive. Hence, rooting ourselves in the Lord and surrounding ourselves amongst other believers don’t hinder us. In all actuality, it helps us become all that the Lord would desire from us. Take a look around your surroundings. Are there areas where you should change your position from the people or things encompassing you? Are your roots truly deep or just at the surface level? Whatever the answer to these questions there is always room for each of us to grow.

3. Throughout a flowers season of growth, the gardener must prune the plants in order for constant NEW growth to happen. Pruning removes dead and lifeless flowers, foliage, and stems in replace of fuller and healthier plants. Sounds considerably similar to the lives that we live. Abba is the master gardener and as we encounter Him as we journey down the route He so graciously placed before us, we endure the ever-so-painful clip of the gardeners pruning shears. With the changing of careers, the loss of a family member, or experiencing ingratitude from those you love most, uncomfortable as they all feel, they assist in learning more about ourselves and the person we are meant to mature into.

Unfortunately, I can’t advise you on how to walk in your destiny, that is entirely up to you. Nevertheless, I do know that blooming entails putting in an effort, undergoing the painful pruning seasons, accepting the beauty that we all possess and letting ourselves to fully walk in it. Commitment, perseverance, willingness, and a dash of faithfulness is what the recipe of blooming requires. What are you waiting for? Let’s keep on blooming.