How caring for my rosebush revealed how I was caring for myself

Ornella Davis

For years my rosebush has been displaying bright pink flowers.

But this year, I was in for a pleasant surprise. I thought these kinds of roses were odourless, because for years I had not discerned any smell. This is the first year they exhale a delicate perfume.

With flowers, my body and emotions react before my intellect. I don’t have to think about whether I like them: their cheering sight make my lips curl up before I even realize it.

I love touching and inhaling flowers. I would taste them too, if possible, to get a full experience. As my lips caress their outline, I listen to the gentle brushing of petals and tune in to the exceptional qualities of such luscious specimens.

How amazing to see them unfold without a single crease, yet if I tried to fold them back into a bud, they would get damaged beyond recovery.

They are both beautifully vulnerable and strong.

And this year, in addition, they were fragrant. I paused to think.

What did I do differently this year ? I took better care of my rosebush. I pruned it earlier and I started watering it before the flowers came out.

Yes, I have been guilty of overlooking plants when they aren’t flowering. As if they were of no interest, or didn’t have a right to my attention before producing what pleased me. I realize I unconsciously felt treated like that — going unnoticed because I hadn’t blossomed yet. Come to think of it, I also seemed to have treated myself that way, ignoring some aspects of self-care because I didn’t feel entitled to them, yet.

Who buys a plant which isn’t flowering yet if there isn’t at least a picture of what they can expect ? The answer would be very few people — only those who know what kind of plant it is and what it will look like after caring for it.

How I have longed for someone like that to come along and nurture me into unfolding my petals of potential.

Dismayed by the waiting, I sought out help. I got assisted by my coach, but not in the helpless way plants wait for external intervention.

The journey has been so enriching. I have learned to water myself. Give myself permission to care for myself, to answer the question, « What do I need right now ? » and act upon it.

New growth has branched out of my rosebush and I am confident the culmination of a glorious display isn’t far away. Because the environment is favourable, the conditions are met. I have started to care for myself, emitting the message that this is how I want to be treated by others, too.

This year, I will not stay odourless like my rosebush for the past few years.

I now express my needs and I do something about them. This year, I will start exhaling the scent of vulnerability and strength.

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Ornella Davis
Ornella Davis

Written by Ornella Davis

Inspired by nature’s mirror and life experiences

Responses (2)

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Hello Ornella!
I am glad these flowers helped you find a way to start your journey to a better you! Thanks for the wonderful read! 😃

I have started to care for myself, emitting the message that this is how I want to be treated by others, too.

This is so beautiful Ornella! It's amazing how many valuable lessons are around us if we stop to look.
Your roses are very lovely and I can imagine how fragrant they are.
Thanks for the reminder to love ourselves enough to express our needs and do something about them.
Thanks for sharing Ornella.