I don’t have green fingers. I didn't grow up in a house with a garden. I am well known for killing my plants. But when lockdowns had no end in sight, I felt an urge to get outside, away from screens and technology. I needed air, physical work and grounding.

These are some of the things I’m learning about life and business by tending to the garden.

Mimosa tree growing from seed. I love how perfect the leaves are and that the close at night time!

GO WITH THE SEASONS

If I told you I was frustrated because I had no strawberries in the garden in the middle of winter, in Ireland, you’d probably tell me to stop stressing and wait for the summer instead. There is a right season for everything, and that includes your business. It is ok to experience a metaphorical winter in business, when you need to quiet down and regroup until the energy for the next season comes. Being aware of your energy is key.

Going with the seasons is also a beautiful lesson on patience. Nature doesn’t rush things. In a world where productivity, hustle, efficiency, and deadlines are pushed and encouraged from every angle, creativity suffers.

DAILY PROGRESS

Tending daily to your garden, your business, your creative practice, is the secret to reduce overwhelm and stay in flow. Some days will be more fruitful than others (see the way I didn't use the word productive there?) but keep showing up.

I love that the garden is a little haven for bees. In business, are you a busy bee or a Queen Bee? — I love that the garden is a little haven for bees. In business, are you a ***busy bee*** or a ***Queen Bee***?

SOME THINGS JUST WON’T WORK OUT

Some seeds won’t make it. Some plants will be eaten by bugs or go to seed. But Nature doesn't stop and neither should you.

Sometimes you fail because you made a mistake and other times the conditions just weren’t favourable; it was out of your control. A constant cycle of try , error, learning.

One thing I keep reminding myself about, is to always choose progress over perfection.

All my leeks went into seed this year, but how magnificent are these?

ACCEPTANCE

As seasons change, we are guided to reflect on acceptance and non-resistance. A green leaf doesn’t resist turning red when autumn approaches. It surrenders.

I have a hand written note in my studio for times of resistance:

‘What if you let go & lived life as if everything is rigged in your favour. Let go of all the heavy worry & stress. Trust that everything you are going through is preparing you for what you asked for’.