What Makes Herbs & People Grow

You can take the girl out of caregiving, but you can’t take caregiving out of the girl. Right now, there are nine different herbs planted in pots on my back porch. They have names like Rosy, Cilia, and Dilly – all decidedly female, even Reggie One and Reggie Two, the oreganos. I talk to these gal pals throughout the day, giving them reassuring little leaf rubs, keeping them hydrated, looking out for leaf blight, and offering lots of reassurance. This, of course, could be considered either crazy or endearing, depending on whether you embrace a bit of woo-woo in your life. The thing is, they look like they’re smiling, and that delights me.  This, coming from the person who, years ago, told new plants, “I hope you stick around, but there are plenty more where you came from.”

Digging deeper, I’m figuring out this goodness stems from being open to embracing new ideas and practices that inspire and sustain me. Exactly what I want for YOU, beginning with this essential truth. Whether currently a caregiver or a perennial – you, me, and the thriving plants on my deck have something in common. Like them, we can grow. We can bloom. We can flourish. What it takes is our encouragement, our attention, and our kindness to each other.

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What or who inspires you?

Is there a creative activity you’d like to try out, or get back into?

What is your favorite thing to do when you have a little time?

(If it’s “sleep,” I suspect you’re in caregiver mode.)

 

From Caregiver to Perennial

Welcome! If you’re visiting my little patch of virtual soil, it’s probably safe to say that you’re a Caregiver. And because your identity is securely tethered to that role, it’s hard to keep the parts of yourself alive that have nothing to do with caregiving. You know – the painter, the quilter, the photographer, the writer, the crafter, the gardener – to name a few.

Well, now we’re going to explore a second possibility, as well – that you’ve come through caregiving, or another kind of soul-changing experience, and are wondering who you are or who you want to be in this new life of yours. You are what I call a Perennial. Someone strong enough to survive the winters of your life, and blossom with each new spring and summer, and in the fall – ready to reflect on the past and sow your hopes for the future.

No matter which of these descriptions resonate with your amazing self, you’ve come to the right place.

Here’s the plan. We’re going to do some exploring, tap into our creative side, and gather up big handfuls of joy. Along the way, I’ll share my own low-budget journey of self-discovery, art and writing prompts that go deep, inspiring conversations with women just like us, and tons more goodness.

Of course, there will always be lots of support and encouragement for those walking the caregiver path, because nothing will ever change the fact that You. Are. My. People. Just think of this as a mini-retreat where we open ourselves up to possibility, and embrace the potential of what comes next.

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Still not sure? Here’s a little Q & A to help you decide.

Will it be mouthy and good-humored? Uh, hello, it’s me.

Open and honest? Still me.

Positive and hopeful? Yes, more please.

Fun, yet practical? As a bohemian soul with a bean-counter’s brain, count on it.