“Bloom where you are planted”
is an insightful quote credited to Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, 1567-1622. (At least that’s what the internet tells me.)
I interpret it as, no matter where you are — in location or life — give it all you’ve got with what you have to work with. Or as Theodore Roosevelt once wrote in his Autobiography, “do what you can, with what you have, where you are”.
It’s a good quote, but I think we can refine it:
Bloom where you are.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you want to be — do it well. Even if where you are sucks. Don’t stop. Work harder than you ever have before. Work smarter than you did yesterday. Go above hundred percent. Go beyond what you think is possible. Because that will lead you to a life that blooms.
Let’s look at the opposite: Have you ever smelled a farm? Plants need manure to grow. Vegetables and fruits — the things that are great for us — literally need good crap to grow.
If you hate where you are, change it.
If you don’t like your habits, start better ones.
If you feel overwhelmed by the bad, pour all your energy into the good. Don’t give the bad the time of day.
It sounds too simple. Like a bumper sticker you would make fun of. But it’s advice that I’ve found true. Being good at what you want means doing it — every day. Or as much as you can.
It doesn’t matter what gear you have or don’t have.
It doesn’t matter if you know enough yet or are not an expert.
It doesn’t matter if you suck right now.
It doesn’t matter if your don’t have the time or money.
It doesn’t matter if you are not there yet:
Bloom baby Bloom.
STAY BOLD, Keep Pursuing,
— Josh Waggoner
Daily Blog #614
