I was thinking today about brassicas—bear with me here. Recently, I’ve developed a keen interest in gardening, particularly in planting vegetables. It all started with a subscription to Pot Gang, where I planted a few seeds in a pot. Fast forward to now, and I have a Veg Trug and a patio that looks like a mini market garden.
This new hobby has me reflecting on life, coaching, happiness, and personal growth.
Let me share why.
Learning from the Garden Guru
My stepfather, Barclay, is my gardening guru. Whenever he visits, he notices things about my plants that I hadn’t even seen. For instance, he recently pointed out small yellow dots on my cauliflower leaves. These were caterpillar eggs, and he warned that if I didn’t remove them, my plants would be devoured in a day.
I had been thrilled to see more white butterflies in my garden, unaware that they were laying eggs on my cauliflowers. (Yes, I’m still a beginner!)
Coaching and the Caterpillar Eggs
This made me think about coaching and how we live our lives.
Sometimes, we need another person to spot the “eggs” hidden under our “leaves,” to point them out, and help us recognise where they are coming from. As a coach, my role is to notice what is happening to you, point out these hidden issues, and work with you to find a solution.
In this case, I had a few options:
- Catch the butterflies: Address the problem head-on.
- Pour soapy water over the leaves: Wash off the eggs, knowing they will return and require ongoing effort.
- Buy a net: Create a boundary to keep the butterflies away—an investment but an effective fix.
Each solution has its place in life. Sometimes, we need a daily habit to wash away our problems. Sometimes, we need to build a network of people or systems to establish boundaries. Other times, we need to confront the problem directly.
Embracing the Seasons of Life
It’s also important to accept that sometimes we just have to do the best we can with what we have. The outcome may not always be as fruitful as we hoped, but that’s okay. We can learn from the experience and prevent the same issues in the future.
I had no idea that gardening would teach me so much about life and people. The constant nurturing and watering of plants, the different needs of each one—some need shade, some need sunshine, some need harsh pruning, and some need gentle care. What a perfect analogy for how we treat people in our lives. Every plant has unique requirements and predators to fend off to produce something beautiful.
Coaching and Cultivation
Just like in coaching, I believe every plant can produce something wonderful. I know I can notice the hidden problems and predators coming your way.
Take a moment to reflect. Your garden—and your life—might just surprise you with its lessons.
Do you know what is hidden under your leaves?
Do you know what you need to protect yourself so that you can flourish and be your brightest and best?
