Secret Garden

“Nothing is more humbling than trying to move the earth.” ~ Unknown

Hello, Dear Ones,

Not only is Secret Garden one of my favorite books from childhood, but I have been working on my own secret garden for the past few weeks. It’s not walled or anything, but I live on a property that feels private because it backs onto a small forest (it really is magical).

For the past week and a half, my husband and I have been working on painting our deck and landscaping our lawn. The work has been hard but the rewards have been plenty. I feel like my house finally feels like my own, and that is a truly beautiful feeling.

We moved into this home three years ago, and I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I honestly have done no work outside except a very small vegetable garden in some raised beds. The first year I told myself, we just had to see what we had. The second year I said that again. This year, in the spring, as things started to grow, I just felt hugely overwhelmed when I looked at all of the established green spaces outside.

I felt totally lost on where to begin, and every area I looked at felt like an insurmountable mountain to climb. I knew I wanted to change it, but I had absolutely no freaking idea where to begin.

I often find that any change in your life can be like this. When we don’t give an area of our life attention, it’s very easy for it to become like an overgrown garden; impossible at first glance to tell the weeds from the plants that were originally intended to be there.

Here’s what helped me. A few weeks ago I had a small aha moment. I had told my sister earlier in the summer that all I wanted for my birthday was for her to come and clean out this huge garden bed for me. For many totally understandable reasons, we hadn’t quite gotten there yet this summer. So I was pondering why I had asked for this to begin with.

And I realized it was because I was scared.

I was nervous that I would rip up a plant I shouldn't or make some mistake I couldn't imagine, messing the whole thing up, all because I had no idea what I was doing! And then I wrote that piece about growth mindset.

I noticed that my mindset when it came to this gardening thing (and honestly outdoor chores in general) was fixed, and I was avoiding this space entirely because I thought I would fail.

So I shifted my mindset. I identified my resources (the internet and my lovely sister) and I started to challenge myself to learn.

Slowly but surely, I started to tackle one area at a time, moving slowly and noticing my progress. I looked things up or asked for help when I needed to. And now I am pleased to say that I have a beautifully landscaped yard with rock and mulch! (pictures below if you’re curious :))

The point I am trying to make, dear one, is this: if there is an area in your life that you feel uneasy about or notice yourself struggling to make a change, you’re not alone. We all have these areas and points of struggle. Some are bigger than others, but you can do anything, if you’re willing to try and fail. Because when you fail, you learn.

It may be hard to see the path before you, but if you start clearing it a little bit at a time, you may find yourself in the most beautiful place at the end. I know I did.

If you are struggling to start clearing your path, or just looking for someone to come on your journey with you, please reach out to me here. I’d love to walk alongside you.

I’m so grateful for your time and the space in your inbox.

With love and kindness,

Jessica

P.S.

The fun thing I’ve been doing is creating my secret garden! I’ve learned so much, and I think I’m becoming a decent gardener which is an absolute shock to me. I had no idea I would enjoy it so much, and I’m so grateful that I put myself in a position to try.

P.S.S.

If you want to help support my mulch purchases please click here! :)