9 Lessons For a Better Year

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The earth is a most magnificent teacher, not just of how to best interact with her but also of how to make our own lives bloom. In the spirit of the new year, of this magnificent opportunity to cultivate the life you desire, I offer you these 9 life lessons from nature.

Lesson 1: YOU are not a weed. (You may just be a wildflower planted in a rose garden.)

Call it whatever you wish but our source makes no accidents. Too many truly extraordinary human beings are walking around on this planet feeling like they don’t fit, like they are broken, or that they don’t belong. I don’t care if it was your parents, teachers, peers, spouse, church, or the images portrayed in the media that led you to believe that you are a weed but it is a lie… and you have to stop believing it.

You are perfectly imperfect, just like the rest of us. You may very well be unlike the others but that doesn’t mean you suck, it means you’re a Wild One. That means you’re one of us… and your life is a gift.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Joe R.

6:33AM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Thanks Christy.

January 29
send a green star

3:20PM PST on Jan 28, 2012

Inspiring article.

January 28
send a green star

Carole K.

10:18AM PST on Jan 25, 2012

This article is overflowing with hope & optimism and devoid of judgement or criticism. I am the better for reading it today. I am convinced that often we are all our own worst enemies in that we condemn ourselves nearly every day of our all too short lives. I have few regrets in my own life & I feel I have made very good choices in the opportunities that were presented. Excellent advice for starting a new year or new life. Or, take it one day @ a time (that's all we get, anyway, right?);go out and plant your tomorrow, yet today! You have the seeds there in your pocket! This life/ garden analogy is awe inspiring & truly beautiful bc it is a basic simple truth. Live & appreciate what you can do today...............................

January 25
send a green star

10:11AM PST on Jan 25, 2012

Margaret M. F.

11:22PM PST on Jan 24, 2012

Thank-you for the article. A lot depends on one's own viewpoint. We are all a product of our environment. Yes one has to let go of the past to move forward, however, our past does have a sizable impact on us no matter what. Would it be possible to put all 9 lessons on one page to allow for easier reading? It would be appreciated.