I have little feet because nothing grows in the shade.

I know, I know. Probably a bit risky – risque? – to pick this quote for today’s message, but I just love this one and all of it’s interpretations! Today's interpretation, however, is not risque and is perfectly SFW. While every gardner and farmer knows it’s not true that nothing grows in the shade, what we also know is that every plant has needs that must be met for it to reach it’s full potential. My bell and shishito peppers need warm soil and full sun to thrive. Tomatoes need full sun, well drained soil, and consistent levels of moisture. Roses prefer morning sun and rich, slightly acidic soil. Hostas need at least partial shade and like their soil fairly moist. Lilacs need cold d to trigger flowers and so don’t do well in my zone 8a garden. Plants can ‘limp along’ with the wrong soil or light conditions or temperatures, but they won’t thrive. One garden location does not suit all plants. One garden or garden zone does not suit all plants.

Just like plants, we all need something, several somethings actually, in order to thrive. I’ve told every boss I’ve ever worked for that I work for pats on the head and gold stars. Yes, I get tremdous amounts of intrinsic satisfaction knowing that I’ve done something well, but a simple “atta girl!” is like a shot of exactly the right fertiziler for a picky rose. Try as I might to not be affected by external indicators of my success, the truth is that I am. So I’ve stopped fighting it and have embraced it. I let people know that it’s motivating to me and I seek out, in a healthy way, opportunities for those gold stars. I still know in my heart of hearts when I’m growing and achieving and succeeding without those accolades, but I also know I do even better when I have them.?

What conditions put you at your best? Are you limping along or thriving?

Don’t be like Dolly’s feet. Find some sunshine.