‘Knowledge is a garden. If it isn’t cultivated, you can’t harvest it.’ ~ African proverb.
I love this proverb! And I’ve always loved learning. I’ve always been curious. My mum used to call me ‘a professor of bits and pieces’ as a child. I wanted to know how things worked, how things were put together, who made it, what was it for.
I enjoyed school, I did pretty well, and I enjoyed studying for my degree, a bit later in life, with the OU, and I did pretty well at that too.
I read a lot, I learned a lot. I stayed curious. But I hadn’t become most of what I was learning about. It was all outside of me.
When I looked at myself, it was a bit like seeing a neglected plot of land. Yes, I had knowledge and skills, a good job and a great team. But I’d lost passion, I was stagnating. I needed new seeds, cultivation.
It wasn’t until I started my journey with coaching that I took my first step on a whole new learning journey. In stead of only being interested and curious about what was around me, outside of me, I was having to turn the microscope onto myself, with the help of my fabulous coach and some eye (and heart) opening training. It was a bit like shining a bright torch into my own face.
Over the years since, I’ve discovered my life purpose, my values, my passions, healthy boundaries, my triggers, what motivates me, new skills and so much more. Effectively a new me.
It was like I’d discovered this dormant garden in myself, that I was gradually bringing to life. It needed some serious weeding, watering, feeding, nurturing, and lots of new seeds had to be planted to bring new life, colour and definition. I was finally giving myself permission to flourish.
I now cultivate this garden for all it’s worth, and I stay curious about what else could grow there, and I’m learning all the time, gaining new knowledge, new wisdom. I’m harvesting the benefits daily, and feeling the most nourished I’ve ever felt in my life.
It doesn’t mean the occasional weed doesn’t try and grow, or little critters don’t try and sneak in to chomp on the new shoots. That’s why I need to pay constant attention, set healthy boundaries, and stay curious – it’s a daily commitment to my garden. To me.
❓How curious are you to discover your dormant self?
❓What could you harvest if you gave yourself permission to clear the weeds, cultivate, grow and flourish?
If you’re curious, and long for a healthy harvest of your own, and you’d like to start your own journey of discovery, please get in touch.
