Here in the south, the fescue grass has resumed
growing and is thickening into its rich, thick, beautiful green. On the contrary, Bermuda grass is still dormant, which creates a blanket of beige, as the dead grass of the previous season waits for replenishment.
Several people in my neighborhood participate in the seasonal competition for “Yard of the Month.” (Not us—we’re too busy saving cats!) These prized lawns are constantly manicured to display weed-free fescue, the more popular choice in Tennessee. A few people have gone with the
less common approach to maintain all Bermuda. Both are constantly working to keep the opposite, unwanted grass from their yards.
Today on my walk, I couldn't miss the stark contrast between two yards that were side-by-side. One neighbor has a covering of dormant Bermuda grass and their neighbor has thick, rich, bright green fescue grass.
While one could boast and the other could question their choice, the important point to remember is that both grasses thrive in their own
prime season. In another month or so, both yards will display their color in full glory. However, in August, when it’s blazing hot with no rain in sight, fescue will temporarily wither while Bermuda continues to thrive.
You also develop best in the right timing and conditions, which is why you need to identify your prime seasons and your ideal climate. Whatever that means to you, generously give yourself those gifts.
To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.
~Socrates
If you don’t know what those are, begin to observe your patterns. What makes you come alive? Maybe your seasons are tied into nature? Perhaps you come alive best under certain personal circumstances? Or you may
flourish most when you have a new idea to develop, or hobby to pursue?
Maybe you do better when you sleep from 8 P.M. to 4 A.M. versus 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. or midnight to 8 A.M? I spoke with someone the other day who
is sixty-five years old and has been sleeping irregular hours his whole life, constantly feeling the negative effects of this habit on his health, his relationships and his work. He hasn't established a daily rhythm and is missing out on the stability a sleep schedule can provide.
I celebrate that he’s now willing to discover what he can do to create a more ideal living environment. It doesn’t matter how old we are, NOW is always a great time to re-evaluate how, when and where we will best thrive.
As you’re considering what you need for your ideal environment, consider where you are with each of the character assets listed last week in Thriving No Matter What. Go back to read the list
again and identify the ones that might need more development.
Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. ~ Carl Jung
No one can know yourself better than you. No one can set yourself up for success better than you, because no one can discern your needs, wants,
passions, and the ideal circumstances that need to be in place for you to be your best self and live your best life. No one else besides you can know best how to feed your body, mind and spirit, get adequate rest, and do whatever else is needed to keep you well-nourished in all areas so you may rise to your fullest potential.
Keep setting yourself up for success by creating your ideal environment, while giving yourself grace in between your prime seasons, because those will always come and go. Continue to get to know yourself better, make adjustments when needed, and you will realize your side of the fence is just right, regardless of the season you're
in.
