Bloom: 2024 Quarter 1
I know many people like to pick a word of the year at the new year and they put a lot of focus into it. I haven’t really done that before. But, the other day a word just came to me. That word was Bloom. I was thinking about it and thought well I am already through quarter one. I have always preached you don’t have to wait for January 1st, the first of the month or the start of the week to be able to implement something new.
I’ve been through a lot of change over the last year and a half, some of which was difficult to navigate at the time. It truly was a time of refining. I had to remove myself from quite a few people in the last year and a half. Absolutely nobody should have to keep the company of toxic people. I know some people hold onto friendships or relationships for fear of being alone but that wasn’t a concern for me.
I am not from the small town that I live in. I am from a big city in FL. I do not have any of my nuclear family where I live. With that being said, I know exactly how it is to make friends as an adult cause that’s what I have had to do since I was 18 years old. Especially since I didn’t go to school in our small town. Making friends is harder outside of school or work. My husband was born and raised in this town so he is very established in the community.
When I came face to face with the reality that a few people in my circle really did not support me, did not want what was best for me and didn’t encourage me to grow and be my best self but rather tried to stop my growth. I realized it was time for them to go. Once, I let them go I felt renewed and refreshed and I even thought to myself how can I not have any close friends now but not feel lonely and just be so happy. The answer is God. I never felt alone because I had God. My husband is also an incredible support for me. In fact I felt an unexplainable peace and happiness after I cut those individuals out of my life. They always say if it comes from God, it will bring you peace. That’s exactly what happened. I was able to begin to heal and really grow my relationship with the Lord.
Where the word bloom comes in is here. When a plant doesn’t grow we just blame the plant instead of the environment. You could take the same plant and put it in nutrient depleted and dry soil and it may not germinate and grow at all or it will be very small. But, if you put it in nutrient rich soil that is well cultivated, watered, get’s plenty of sun and is just taken care of it will bloom and flourish. People tend to forget that we are very similar. Our environment and surroundings are either contributing to our growth or our downfall. Choose your environment wisely. They say a tiger can’t repaint it’s stripes but Jesus can. I’m now in an environment that supports me being able to bloom.
You will become most like the 5 people you are around the most. If you are around 5 toxic, negative, jealous individuals you will become the 6th. But, if you surround yourself with 5 positive, uplifting, happy and encouraging people. You will become the 6th. You absolutely can choose and cultivate your environment so you can not only survive but thrive!
James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.
Isaiah 61:11 For as the earth produces its growth, and as it’s garden enables what is sown to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise too spring up before all the nations.