There is a saying that has resonated deeply with me: When a flower does not bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower. It is such a simple yet profound truth about growth, healing, and transformation. It is one that applies not only to plants but also to the human spirit.

The Power of the Right Environment

Every flower has its own unique needs. Some thrive in bright sunlight, while others require shade. Some flourish in rich soil, while others prefer arid conditions. When a flower wilts or fails to bloom, it is not because it lacks beauty or potential. Rather, it is because something in its surroundings is preventing it from thriving.

We are much the same. Each of us has unique needs and strengths. The environment we are in plays a critical role in our ability to grow and blossom. If we find ourselves stifled, unhappy, or struggling, it is worth asking: Is it me, or is it the environment I am in?

Reflecting on Your Environment

Take a moment to assess your surroundings. Evaluate the people, places, and patterns that fill your life. Are they nourishing or draining? Do they challenge you in healthy ways, or do they suppress your growth?

Here are a few key areas to consider:

• Relationships: Are the people in your life supportive and uplifting? Do they encourage you to be your best self?
• Work and Creativity: Does your work environment allow you to express your talents, or does it stifle your potential?
• Physical Space: Is your home or workspace a place where you feel peace and inspiration?
• Self-Talk and Habits: What messages do you tell yourself? Are they empowering or limiting?

Transforming the Environment

When you realize the environment is hindering growth, then it is time to take action. This does not always mean drastic changes. It is about intentional adjustments that create the right conditions for thriving.

• Prune What No Longer Serves You: Just as gardeners remove dead leaves or weeds, we must clear out toxic relationships, old habits, or limiting beliefs that block our growth.
• Enrich the Soil: Add positivity to your environment. Seek out communities that share your values. Invest in spaces that inspire you. Cultivate habits that nourish your soul.
• Adjust the Light: Sometimes, we need to step out of the shadows and into new opportunities, even if they feel unfamiliar. Other times, we need to pull back and rest in stillness.
• Water Consistently: Growth takes consistency. Pour into yourself regularly through learning, self-care, or pursuing passions. So, you never run dry.

Helping Others Bloom

The same principle applies when we are supporting others. Whether it is our children, friends, or team members, we must ask ourselves: How can I create an environment where they feel safe, seen, and supported? Sometimes, the best way to help others bloom is to adjust the soil around them rather than focusing on their struggles.

A Final Thought

Growth is not always linear. Blooming does not happen overnight. But with patience and the right conditions, every flower—including you—can thrive. If you are not blooming right now, it is not because you are not enough. It might just be time to reimagine your garden.

So, what adjustments will you make today? What changes in your environment could help you as well as those around you flourish?

Fix the soil, the light, and the care, so we can all bloom beautifully.

Blooming,

Coach Erika