Dandelions are your friend.
Really.
Reframe the subjective definition(s) you accepted as a child that dandelions are bad: something you should get rid of; something you don’t want in your life lawn.
Life made easier
Think how much easier your life would be if you stopped believing someone else’s definition of what’s bad or good for you.
You wouldn’t use your time trying to get rid of what grows naturally for you.
You wouldn’t spend money to kill off something you’re labeling as bad even though in your heart of hearts it’s something that seems strong and colorful to you. You would stop striving for an unnatural look of subjective perfection.
Even if you become the person lawn that others think you should be, there’s a continuous, unsettling rumbling from inside as the brightly colored dandelion tries again and again to push its way back to the surface.
To get to the light. To feel the sun on its face. To be caressed by the wind.
To be natural.
What is a weed anyway?
“A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.” Doug Larson
You too have mastered survival skills. Bravo!
Growing in rows may appear to be another survival skill you need to learn because it feels safer. And easier not to buck your crowd. But it’s not natural.
So stop listening to what others tell you is right or valuable.
Choose for yourself who you want to be. What you want to look like. How you want to grow.
Personally…
The beauty of aging
I like dandelions.
They’re vibrant, hearty and colorful.
When they age they take on a new kind of beauty.
And they carry my wishes in whatever direction I want them to go. Sheer pleasure.
Be the dandelion you want to be in the world.
I would love to get to know you! Join me on 
as my 13 yr old says … why struggle to fit in, when you were born to stand out.
Love your post!
THanks. I’m glad you liked it.
sounds like your 13 year old is both smart and confident. Wonderful! That’s not an easy age in life. Cherry
Loved, loved, loved this Cherry–especially as I’ve been excessively moaning lately about the weeds taking over the lawn. Such a great reminder, because isn’t it funny how little kids always look at the dandelion as the beautiful flower that they so proudly present to you?
Weeds can have a purpose, like anything else, it just depends on your persepective–Today I’ll be the person that says, the weeds are fabulous, they’re mostly green and fill in the bare spots, and they are persistent–suddenly the weeds are beautiful!
Very true Pam, it’s our perspective that’s important for seeing things in a positive light. I’m glad you reminded me about weeds filling in bare spots too. I”ve definitely appreciated that over the years. :) Cherry
Cherry,
Loved this post. What a terrific analogy to the much maligned dandelion. This quote is fabulous: “A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows.” Doug Larson
We spend our lives accepting or rejecting the calls to “grow in rows.” When we find ourselves blowing in the wind with no way or desire to touch down, life is hard but feels exciting. When we’ve succumbed to the rows, extricating ourselves is so hard; graviting keeps us in place.
I love your reminder to keep pursuing our purpose so that when/if we take root, we’ll be where we are happiest. Well done. ~Dawn
Gosh Dawn, I so-o like the way you write/think: “When we find ourselves blowing in the wind with no way or desire to touch down, life is hard but feels exciting. When we’ve succumbed to the rows, extricating ourselves is so hard; graviting keeps us in place. ” Beautiful thought. Thank you, Cherry
Wonderfully wise post, Cherry. Thank you for your uplifting post. Doing what comes naturally seems a sure fire way to success.
Thanks Nikki. Nice to see your smiling face in my comments. Hope you’re having a wonderful summer. Cherry
This is a great metaphor! Embracing yourself and focusing on your true strengths is a sure path to success.
Thanks Kaley, I had fun with the metaphor. I’ll think of one for a drama free office and life. :) Bet you already have plenty. Cherry