Being A Sunflower

Did you know that Sunflowers get their name by the fact that they actually face the sun? They track it actually. And by facing the sun at all times, the shadows stay behind them. Ok maybe this isn't news to you.

Sunflowers have always been my favorite flower. They are bright, yellow, and simply bring me joy. But what I think might be new information to you is the fact that when there is no sun light or its a dark and cloudy day, sunflowers face each other and share their energy. In those moments, even if they are weak and lacking all that they may need, they turn to each other. Imagine if we did that as humans. Or just did it more often.

We are all so quick to get caught up in our own life and our own problems. You, me, and probably everyone you encounter are going through things that someone doesn't know about. Big or small, those things are easily able to take a toll on not only our life but our light. Being able to stand tall like a sunflower and "find that light" is not always as easy as it seems or sounds. But if we all in someway can understand what that feels like, why is it so easy for us to forget how good it feels and how beneficial it can be, to have people. Someone. Anyone. We are all so consumed in our own lives but we aren't more important than that stranger you pass in the parking lot on your way into the grocery store. We aren't more important than that woman you asked to put $40 on pump 12. We aren't more important than the boy fresh out of college who didn't get the job. We are so quick to forget how much a genuine "how are you doing" means to someone. We can't even take the time out of our day to call a loved one just because, because there is no time.

Well, let me put it into perspective for you. You could've smiled at that stranger in the parking lot. And maybe that simple gesture would've changed their day. Maybe their life. You could've been kinder and more polite to the woman at the gas station because she's only working there to put food on the table for her children that she loves more than life. You could've been more respectful to that boy applying for that job because he was the first kid in his family to graduate from college and just because he has no experience doesn't mean he doesn't have an incredible work ethic.

You, I, we could all do a lot of things with better intentions. We could all make more time for things that really matter, be more positive, ask more questions. Or we could just be more like sunflowers. Stay close to people who feel like sunshine. Track them. The more you surround yourself with good people, the better you will feel. Energy is contagious. Share your energy with others. Be genuine. Be curious. People may forget what you say, but they will always remember how you made them feel. The more we act like sunflowers, the brighter our lives will be. Lean on those close to you. Lift up those around you who may be struggling. If someone is having a bad day, stop being so quick to judge. Sit with them, talk with them, ask them what is going on. There are a ton of people in this world who will chew you up and spit you out, but there are a lot more people who will help you put those shadows behind you just like the sunflowers do best.

Let's all remember to share a little more love, light, and gratitude. And have faith that where there are dark clouds, the sun will shine through again.