“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” This quote by Anaïs Nin has always resonated with me. It vividly highlights the effort it requires to live fully, to become who and what we are intended to be.
The other day, as I pondered these words for perhaps the thousandth time, I wondered: What would it be like to be a flower bursting into bloom? So, let’s pretend for a moment that we have a very powerful microphone, capable of picking up — and translating — the thoughts of a garden’s gorgeous, petaled friends. Far-fetched? Perhaps, but work with me, OK?
“C’mon, Rosie,” coaxes a small marigold, “open up! We’ve been waiting for you!” A tiny, muffled voice is heard from inside the tightly closed pink rose. “Goldie, I want to, but it’s so cozy in here, and I don’t know what the world out there is all about.”
“Listen, little girl,” says a gruff voice nearby. “You gotta bloom. That’s what flowers are made for. It’s the reason humans like us so much. It’s the only way you can see the sun. Sure, it’s hard, but you just gotta bloom!”
“Oh, Cosmo, do you really think so? I…” Rosie stops, mid-sentence, interrupted by yet another voice that seems to be speaking from high overhead. “Don’t worry so much, kiddo,” says a huge sunflower. “You will bloom at just the right moment.”
“I hope so, Sunny. But how will I know when it’s time?”
A tiny, elderly flower named Violet speaks up, in a frail but dignified voice. “Life is not always comfortable, little one. Sometimes we aren’t sure what to do, or when to do it. We worry about weeds choking us; we worry about getting enough food and water; we worry about losing our leaves, or being squished by animals who sit on us, or being run over by a lawn mower.”
“But you’ll find,” continues Violet, “that life is meant to be lived fully, no matter what happens. Think of what a long journey Sunny has had, to grow so tall and strong. He was almost eaten alive by that old groundhog, Winston, but somehow he survived. Now he can see for miles. His world has changed because he has changed and grown. And, what about Dandy? He was all alone, way off in the middle of the lawn. One day, he simply stood up and said, ‘I’m Dandy Lion. Hear me roar!’”
“But what if one of the humans picks me?” cries Rosie. “I don’t want to be in a vase! I want to stay here with all of you! If I don’t bloom, maybe they’ll leave me here.”
Fern (the fern) pats the little rosebud, saying, in a velvety green voice, “Honey, we’ve all been where you are. We understand your fears and all the reasons you could ever come up with for not blooming. But you were created to help make this garden beautiful, and no one else can take your place. You are unique, and the world needs your gifts.”
Encircling Rosie with her leaves, Glory, a majestic morning glory, speaks. “Life is rather scary. And we will all be gone someday. The trick is to be alive while you are alive! I lost my brother recently. He was picked by a child, as a gift for his mother. I like to recall how happy my brother was, here in the garden. He lived on for a while in the vase, too, and made the child and her mother happy. And eventually, he became nourishment for the earth, so more flowers will be born. That, to me, is a life well lived.”
Rosie thought over all that her companions had said. She thought about how comfortable she was, tightly wrapped up, like a butterfly in a cocoon. She felt a little sad about giving up the safe place where she had lived so long, the sheltered life she knew so well. But something inside her was saying, “It’s time! It’s time!”
Sensing that Rosie’s moment had arrived, the other flowers drew near. They began to dance in the summer breeze, releasing their perfume to the winds. The squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits caught the scent and crept quietly into the garden. “It’s time!” they chanted joyously, “It’s time!” Several birds sang in the trees nearby, cocking their heads towards Rosie and chirping encouragingly.
Angela, the beautiful stone angel who stood at the edge of the garden, wings outstretched protectively, smiled and said, “Welcome, little Rose. Happy Birthday! The world is complete now that you have bloomed! Live well, all your days!”
“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Is this your moment to bloom? Is it time to live more fully? Just open your petals!
Kathy Baker is a writer and speaker, a messenger of encouragement who loves to touch hearts and tickle souls with her work. She is the author of “Leaving Adversity Plaza,” and “A Tale of Three Choices: His, Hers, Mine.” She loves hearing from her readers and can be reached at [email protected].