Surveying the Soil

After reading the book The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips, I wanted to check my soil to see what was growing in my garden. After a short reflective period, it was not hard to decide what I needed in my garden - hope.

After experiencing disappointments in my life, I subconsciously made a decision not to hope for anything so I could avoid disappointment (sadness). Don't get me wrong, I would hope for small things, but nothing major to avoid disappointment (a form of sadness).

It wasn't until I read The Garden Within that I realized that sadness has a place in my garden. I had to give myself permission to feel sad. It is OKAY not to be okay. Everything is not going to be rainbows and sunshine, but every emotion has a purpose and plan for our garden.

I want my garden to flourish and what my garden needs is hope. With this decision, I have decided to read a book I picked up a few months ago regarding hope.

I am only a few chapters in and I already know I have made the right decision. When you find yourself in a book, you have found the right book for you. The following statement from the book resonated with my soul, "I don't want to expect this [situation] to work out and increase my risk of disappointment." (pg. 5) . I knew when I read that statement, I found the book I needed to read.

I encourage you to examine your soil and see what nutrients your garden may need to flourish!