Life is a garden. It is something you plant, tend, prune, and occasionally replant. It does not thrive on its own. It demands effort, presence, and patience. Gardens do not bloom overnight, and neither do people.

At first, the ground must be broken. The soil of our upbringing, experiences, and beliefs must be turned, loosened, and made ready for growth. Some areas may be full of weeds, old roots, or stones. These are the bad habits, limiting beliefs, or past traumas we need to clear out before new growth can take hold. It’s messy work, but necessary.

Then come the seeds. These are our actions, intentions, and values. What we plant is what will grow. Plant dishonesty, and you’ll reap distrust. Plant generosity, and you’ll harvest community. Some seeds take longer than others to grow. Some require constant attention. Others surprise you by sprouting in places you didn’t expect.

The weather is unpredictable. There will be sun, and there will be storms. Life gives no guarantees. Some things flourish in the rain, while others wither. You don’t get to control the weather, but you do choose what you plant and how you protect it.

Maintenance matters. Even the most beautiful garden can be overrun if left unattended. Neglect shows up quietly. A little apathy here, a little distraction there, and suddenly the weeds are back. You must keep pulling, pruning, trimming. You must show up.

And just as with a real garden, there’s no final state. It’s never done. There’s always something to nurture, improve, or let go of. Some seasons require rest. Others demand hard work. But over time, with consistency and care, you look around and realize you’ve created something beautiful, meaningful, and alive.

Life is a garden. What are you planting?