The Gardeners of Our Souls

Although they may sometimes go unnoticed, there are many people in our lives who help us find joy, support us when we’re down, and give us the strength to push through difficult times. Whether they’re family members, friends, or mentors, these folks help make our lives a little brighter and more fulfilling. There’s no better way to show your gratitude than with an encouraging word or heartfelt gesture.

THOSE WHO INSPIRED YOU

Have you ever met someone who changed your life, or even just made you feel like a better person? Maybe it was a family member, a teacher, or even an old friend. These people might not have done much to change your external situation; they might not have given you anything materially. But their presence alone altered you for the better in some way. They inspired you to become a better person; they became like gardeners for your soul.

YOU CAN INSPIRE TOO!

Inspire/ inspiration is one of those words we throw around a lot, but how often do we really live up to its meaning? That’s why it’s so easy to feel discouraged about ourselves: We let our own failures and insecurities keep us from reaching out to others. But when you look at each failure as an opportunity for growth, you can start to inspire yourself and others on a regular basis.

APPRECIATE AND PRAISE OTHERS

One way to cultivate happiness is to appreciate and praise others; in doing so, you’ll be planting a seed that helps your own soul blossom. A lot of us fall into a trap where we only recognize or acknowledge our problems or weaknesses—we rarely take time to appreciate our strengths and successes. Be aware of what makes you happy, not just what makes you sad or angry. If someone does something nice for you, let them know how much it means to you. If someone compliments your work, don’t brush it off—thank them for noticing all your hard work!

CELEBRATE SMALL WINS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

If you can, find small ways to reward yourself for any task you complete. It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small—your brain will process your little accomplishments like anything else, and recognizing them is a great way to celebrate success. In fact, many experts in motivation and habit building will tell you that celebrating wins is one of the best things you can do for your long-term goals.

INSPIRATION IN YOUR OWN LIFE

In our hearts, we all know there is truth in beauty. It’s what inspires us to be more than we are; to dig deeper and reach further. It inspires us to do good, feel compassion and kindness, and help make our world a better place. Whether you’re into gardening or not, make sure to nurture that sense of inspiration in your own life—not just when it comes to plants and flowers but also people.

DON’T LET OTHERS SILENCE YOUR VOICE

In an effort to protect your feelings, some people may be quick to dismiss or try to silence your voice. It’s important to know that they are doing it out of love and respect for you—and their fear of hurting you. Be mindful not to let these well-meaning people stifle your ability to speak up and share what’s going on with you. As a sensitive soul, it’s your responsibility to speak up for yourself and set boundaries with others when needed.

PASS ON POSITIVITY WHENEVER POSSIBLE

It’s easy to be negative. Many people mistake being negative as a way to relate and connect with others, but positivity is a much more effective and lasting way to engage with other people—not just on an emotional level, but in every aspect of life. To make sure your words and actions help rather than hinder your relationships, try asking yourself whether they’re positive or negative before making them.

CONCLUSION

Focusing on gratitude is a simple but effective way to increase overall happiness and, more important, find more fulfillment in our lives. When we’re grateful for what we have—when we appreciate our relationships, our talents, and our health—we can be happier with less. This doesn’t mean that we need less; it just means that appreciating what we already have brings us joy.

Picture credit, free from pixabay