Black Thumb

I was given a flowering plant on the first day of my new job, not quite a month ago.

I killed it already.

I had it sitting on my desk, next to my computer, where I work five days a week.

And I still forgot to water it.

I threw it away last night when I cleaned my office.

I don't know exactly what it is about me and plants. I just can't seem to make it a priority to take care of them.

I guess you could say I have a black thumb.

My boys asked me if I wanted flowers for Mother's Day this year. I told them no, thank you.

Give me quality time with you instead. Those flowers will be dead in a matter of days. I'd rather have the memories.

And, honestly?

I don't care that I can't keep flowers or plants alive.

I have a couple of fake ones that look so real no one who visits can tell the difference.

To those of you who are great with plants and flowers and gardens and have those amazing green thumbs, I salute you.

The world is a more beautiful place with you in it.

But I'm okay with having a black thumb. It's just a part of who I am.

It's important that we recognize that we are meant to be different from others around us.

And that we realize that our unique abilities bring value to the world.

I may not have a green thumb, but I do have a knack for writing, an ear that listens pretty well, and a passion for organizing and managing projects.

Oh, and somehow along this journey, I've managed to raise two amazing young men and keep them alive for nearly 20 years.

I like to point that out when someone gives me a plant and it dies right away.

Priorities, right?

Take a moment today and think about what makes you unique. What skillsets do you have that people comment on, that you get praise for, that make you feel the most proud?

Find ways to do more of those things.

Stop focusing on the areas in life where your black thumb sticks out.

Throw those dead plants away.

And grow in all the beautiful ways that make you uniquely you.

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