There are periods in life that feel like a barren desert vs. the luxuriant garden one dreams of. Life will bring us challenges. And life gives us the opportunity for so many remarkable possibilities as we tend to our own lives. One of the best things we can do is be present to what’s going on, right here, right now. One recovery program (12 Steps) always reminds us to stay in a 24-hour period, ”One day at a time.” It helps teach us to stay in the present. This will help bring the overwhelm down and provide the ability to check in with ourselves. Our recovery journeys require us to tend to, and fertilize our lives through self-love/care, a good support system, and also challenging ourselves to stay open and expectant about building the outstanding lives we desire.

If you feel like your life is a barren desert right now, yet you desire more love, simplicity, or beauty, what could give you a taste of that even if only for a moment? How could you use your own power to shift your experience? Let’s use beauty as an example. Being out in nature provides beauty in your life; for some reason you’re unable to be out in it, and this causes you to feel some anxiety or depression. An idea would be to bring nature to you. Maybe you have a picture in your phone of a beautiful place in nature that you’ve been to, and (using all your senses) you imagine the *feeling of that experience (as if it’s happening in the present). Maybe you watch a nature documentary to take in its beauty. You could write about a nature experience that really touched your heart. Or listen to waterfall sounds on a YouTube video. You could sit by a window looking for birds or any creatures and/or feel the sun on your skin. Another possibility is to grow fresh herbs or plants inside. And, reading this you might already have dreamed up other ideas.

You’ve got the power to tend to and fertilize the ground of your own life if you choose to. The awareness of your desires already brings you a step closer to the garden of life that you’re dreaming of. Stay present and believe in the many opportunities this life has to offer!

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.