As we spring into a new year, most people are filled with renewed hopes and dreams for a better, brighter year. It’s a wonderfully optimistic time when everyone’s making resolutions for their self-improvement and development.

Personally, I never make resolutions, because they seem to come with a kind of stigma, which usually dooms them to failure. However, this doesn’t stop me from making plans – and my plan, this year, involves growth.

At the end of 2016, the theme for growth in my life revolved around this concept:

“Grow where you are planted”

In some senses, this is a beautiful notion. After all, few people actually have a dream job and are happy with their lot in life. However, the truth is that if you can make the best of what you have, you’ll enjoy your life so much more. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t strive for more or make any changes or improvements. It simply means that it’s possible to blossom right where you are, regardless of your situation.

That said, if you’re really unhappy about something, you should change it. In fact, after a recent conversation with a friend, she wisely shared the following quote:

“If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree!”

Of course, sometimes, it’s easy to feel like a tree as you get into a certain position and sink some roots there to create a comfort zone. Sure, there may be plenty of stormy days in between the sunny weather, but you learn to sway with the gusts and withstand the blizzards. You may even lose your leaves, but they will grow back again – if you just stand resolute. Yes, there’s no denying that there are times to be a tree, such as in your friendships, marriage or even your job. However, there are also times when you need to uproot yourself and make a move. As American author, Gail Sheehy, said:

“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.”

So, as 2017 sets off, I plan to take stock of my personal orchard to see what’s growing and what’s not. Some trees may need to be left to grow where they’ve been planted, but other areas of my life may need some weeding, uprooting and replanting.

This is a year for growth. It’s a time to make plans and changes, to be brave and break out of comfort zones. I’m going to dance in the rain, jump over chasms, do things that scare me and explore uncharted waters.

A delightful phrase recently caught my eye and it left me feeling incredibly inspired. It truly puts a positive spin on life’s possibilities and I intend to remember these words as I step out into the years ahead. So, close your eyes and…

“Just imagine that your future is waiting for you to make the choices that only you can make.”

© 2017 Audrey Whyte   All Rights Reserved