I decided last Monday to take myself on another date. The first date went well, so I thought why not go for a second date. I took myself on a date to Lauritzen Gardens, a botanical garden where I live. I went early in the morning as it was forecasted to be over 100 degrees later in the day. The only two places I’m supposed to be when it’s that hot is in an air conditioned building or floating in a pool. I also went early in hopes the garden wouldn’t be busy and I could immerse myself not only in the beautiful plants, but also the silence.

It was a wonderful date! I walked slowly through the gardens seeing every color variation of flower Mother Nature makes and I also got to hear the birds, the buzzing of bees, and the rustle of the leaves as the wind moved through them. I don’t know what it is about being nature, but it brings my soul to life. I breathe easier, I connect with myself deeper, and the worries or the “noise” of the outside world are silenced.

As I was walking through the gardens, I was struck with gratitude. Gratitude that I was able to walk and enjoy such a beautiful place. Gratitude that I was able to see the stunning colors and variations of plants and flowers. Gratitude that I was able to hear not only the beautiful sounds of nature, but also truly hear myself.

As I was walking through one of the gardens I noticed a woman tending to a rose bush that to my non-plant expert eye looked dead. Side note.. I actually have a lot of experience with dead plants because my house is where plants and flowers go to die. Obviously this woman had much more plant/ flower knowledge than I do and she wasn’t getting rid of the “dead” rose bush, but instead she was tending to it. She was putting new soil around it, watering it, etc. I couldn’t help but think how many times do we get rid of things we think are “dead” instead of tending to them.

In my own experience there’s been so many times throughout my journey I have wanted a new body. A body that works the way it used to. A body free of limitations and challenges. I thought of my body like the rose bush and thought maybe what my body needs is a little more tending to. Maybe it needs to be watered with grace and kind words.

If you find yourself thinking something in your life is “dead” whether that’s a friendship, relationship, a part of yourself, a job, etc, maybe trying tending to it like you would a plant and see if that helps bring it back to life.