Next To

It really doesn’t make any sense, but some things never do. They were identical when they started; I know, I saw them. But one is huge now and the other one not so much. They appear to have been exposed to the exact same elements, so why is one so different? One is tall, full, but a bit gangly. The other, kind of puny. They both receive the same amount of sun and other essentials for growth. They faded equally in the heat and both perked up in the rain. But still, one impatien is just a fraction of the size of the other one.

Although the gardeners of life may look at one bloom as less successful than another, I disagree. In fact, the petite flower seems to be more well-rounded and perfect. Although the flamboyant one is magnificent, it may not survive long into the fall. The ginormous one needs way more water and sun to maintain its appearance, while the diminutive one will continue to thrive on very little.

If you think about it, many of us have similar experiences and influences but have come out of them vastly different. Many of us were raised by families with similar values: hard work, honesty, integrity, caring and many, many other things in common. We are actually more alike than different. But we are different. Our life experiences affect us in different ways. What some perceive as a debilitating problem others find as a challenge to complete.

Sometimes we evaluate our success in life by our outward appearances.  We think that success is based on more, better, bigger. But really, success is best defined by character which, like the roots of a plant, endures and provides the support for the long term. If you shape your character to the best you can be, in spite of your challenges, you are much stronger than others may think from outward appearances. And it only takes a little love sprinkled over us to thrive.

Sometimes the little things have the biggest impact.

Mitch Rose is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and NCReview member.  Be sure to visit his blog “Insight from the Ordinary.”