What does a small bunch of flowers have to do with this month’s topic: possibility?
Well… quite a lot, actually. (And what does my hero, Spiderman have to do with anything? Actually, not much. I just love the snazzy costume.)
I am NOT Spiderman (*sigh*)
As you may recall, I’ve mentioned before how “photo-ready” I’ve become these days. Not that I’m always, y’know, photogenic (or that I’m, er, not) – no, what I mean is, I’m always searching for something interesting to snap a photo of.
I gotta admit, I’ve really caught the bug, too. Even Mrs. MZM occasionally will recognized those times, looking over at me and acknowledging, “I know; you want to take a picture of that…” (whatever it is). So it’s only natural I’m always on the lookout, you know? Therefore, anywhere I go, I’ve always got my “photo-sense” on and set to scan (it’s something like Spiderman’s “spidey-sense”, only it won’t, alas, alert me to impending doom like it does for him). Hey, you never know, right?
Anyhoo, the other day I had to run a quick errand to the store, so naturally as I’m driving, I’m scanning as much as possible (while keeping my eyes safely on the road, of course!), just to see if there’s anything worth shooting. Now, I’m real big on finding new stuff, even embedded within the familiar, so to speak, so just because I’ve traveled this particular route about a thousand times before is no big deal. I was positive something would turn up.
But this trip, I drove to the store, picked up the desired couple of items, gassed up the car, and was heading back, all without having snapped a single shot of anything. I was getting disappointed, to say the least, and I couldn’t believe there wasn’t one single thing interesting enough to photo somewhere along the way!
But… as we business strategists like to say: good things always come to those are willing to do what is necessary, and then… wait. (Note: you have to do those two things in that order!)
I was almost home, only a block or two away, when I came up to one final stop sign. All I had to do was turn left, drive less than a minute, and I’d be home. That’s when it happened (sound of angels singing). My photo-sense tingled, and my eyes, as if by magic, were drawn down and to my right – to the curb.
There was my subject! Right there, blooming like crazy from a tiny little space between concrete slabs, was a bundle of purple whatever-they-ares! (Anyone know what they are? I’m no good at namin’ plants and flowers.)
I have to say, I was quite impressed by this amazing demonstration of tenacity. After all, this particular plant’s environment didn’t give it a lot of help. In Houston’s blazing 100-plus-degree heat, surrounded by concrete, with pretty much nary a drop of rain over the last month or more – and this little guy was still blooming to beat the band! And therein lies a lesson, don’cha think?
What You Can Learn From a Bunch of Flowers Growing in an Unusual Place
Most of the time, we like to think we have a handle on life, don’t we? I mean, we choose our careers, we choose our spouses, we choose our hobbies and friends – it’s all about bein’ in control of our own lives, right?
But sometimes, life has a way of knockin’ out the props beneath you, and puttin’ you in a situation you have no control over, doesn’t it? (Take, for instance, my recent – and quite sudden – lack of employment. Please!)
So lemme ask ya; what’s the best thing to do? Moan and groan, whine and cry? (That’s only good for maybe… 30 seconds or so. Trust me.) Try to find a way to blame everyone who ever lived? (Funny; folks don’t react too well to that one either! Go figure.) Dig a big, giant hole and crawl in? (Naah; too much work!)
No, the best thing you can do is take a lesson from this little flower, and bloom where you can!
OK, you may be askin’ yourself, So how do I do that? Well, to be honest, I’m afraid if you’re lookin’ for specifics, it’s really for you to figure out for yourself, y’know? But what’cha gotta do, see, is do what you can to be ready for when that opportunity knocks upon your door (sound of knocking).
This little flower is a great example. There’s no better illustration of potential than a seed, is there? Contained within that often tiny little package is everything needed for a brand new plant to spring into being. All it needs is water and energy. So, when that seed found its way into a teeny little crack in the concrete, well, voila! After an appropriate interval, out popped this lovely bouquet! And not only that, but it has continued to grow and prosper!
I mean, think about it. (sound of grinding gears) What we’re really talkin’ about here is possibility, right? What, among the vast universe of possibilities, is truly possible for you to do – with respect to your own abilities, inclinations, skill set or whatever? Surely there’s something? C’mon, open up your mind to the possible, and see where it leads.
All I’m sayin’ is, good things always come to those are willing to do what is necessary, and then… wait. In that order.
Just sayin’.
So What About It?
Are you in the midst of a crisis of possibly epic proportions? OK, maybe it’s not quite so epic… but still. If so, what are you doing about it? Are you at least thinking about other possibilities, perhaps ones you might not ordinarily consider? Tell us about it, won’t you?
C’mon, let’s learn from each other here!
Note: This post is not only part of Joanna’s possibilities theme, but also my entry to our monthly What I Learned From… groupwrite project hosted over at the Middle Zone! The topic this month is PLANTS, and the project is open for entries though Sunday night, August 9, so you’re welcome to join us! Just follow this link to What I Learned From the World of Plants, and read all about it!
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Robert Hruzek currently lives in Houston, Texas, and is usually employed as an engineering project manager. He has travelled, lived and worked in many locations within the United States and around the world.
Robert writes on the Web at Middle Zone Musings . It’s a comfortable place to have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. He doesn’t ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Why not drop by, take a load off, and relax for a spell…
If you would like more of the Middle Zone to read at your leisure, buy the book! That’s right, y’all; my first book, Not Exactly your King James Version, is available now! Just follow this link to MZM Books and buy your very own piece of the Middle Zone!
You may contact Robert by email at: rhruzek [at] sbcglobal [dot] net.
Photo credits: My Friend Spiderman by Peter Parker
Bloom Where You Can, by Robert Hruzek
Robert,
what a wonderful story and an encouraging one!
.-= Ulla Hennig´s last blog ..What I learned from the Death of my Bonsai =-.
Wow, what a great story!! In the past , I’ve gotten inspiration from the weirdest places (think ‘karate dojo’) but the ideas often bloom into something really nifty indeed.
It’s akin to walking in the city – how many of take the time to look UP and see all the carvings/statues that adorn many of the city’s roofs? Inspiration can be found whenever you choose to look.
[...] [...]
Robert, Excellent, inspirational advice – something we’ve come to expect from you. I’m sort of at the other end of the spectrum right now: I feel like the imagining is over, and the waiting is getting old. Different problem. But back to your point, considering other possibilities does require keen observation, which is why the story of how you found the curbside flower is so instructive. Even though you were on an errand, you weren’t on auto pilot. You were paying attention! How many times do opportunities hit us square in the face, but we miss them because we’re not paying attention?
.-= Brad Shorr´s last blog ..Guest Posting Today on Good Copy Bad Copy =-.
@Ulla – Hey, thanks for the kind words, Ulla!
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
@Barbera – I know what you mean! I’ve been known to walk into street lamp poles while wandering around looking at the buildings! But there’s some fascinatin’ stuff just above your everyday line of sight. All you have to do is… lift your eyes!
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
@Brad – That’s exactly it, Brad – pay attention to EVERYTHING! Besides, it’s the best way to make the mundane less boring and sometimes, VERY interesting.
By the way, I feel for ya on that “waiting” thing. Hate waiting. :-\
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
Great post! I’ve been moving along these lines lately, watching for the opportunities in places other than I usually find. It’s a good reminder too that an integral part of taking advantage of special opportunities is being prepared to do so.
I liked the Spiderman tie-in, too.
.-= Shari Smothers´s last blog ..online journaling =-.
Robert, thanks again for realising this post was a shoe-in for the opportunity theme, and a contribution to WILF too – talk about blogging efficiency! I think you and Brad are right about the paying attention part – that’s what allows you to notice the good stuff when it comes along, to be ready for it. I think photography helps with that, and writing, and blogging – we’re tuning our brains to look out for interesting and unusual things that pass most people by. And that’s what makes us all brilliant
(She says, modestly, but full of admiration for her blogging friends)
Robert,
Two things: YOU stopped me in my tracks and gave me a big whole Texas smile when I saw this.
Just look at those gorgeous things.
And two. See the first thing. It’s plenty full of richness.
Loved this. Just loved it.
.-= Janice Cartier´s last blog ..Contrast =-.
A real refresher in Joanna’s bunch of orchids
.-= Write a Writing´s last blog ..How to Write Creatively =-.
Robert, what an inspiring post! Another message came shining through possibilities always exist but you have to have your eyes open to see them. Challenges or trials place us in a position to examine other possibilities but they were always there, we just didn’t see them as we were humming along with nary a care. So here’s to scanning horizon for possibiltiies in unusual places.
Joanna — Thanks for introducing me to Robert. I loved this post. It is very inspiring.
Robert — I really like what you said in your post. I love the idea that each of us has exactly what we need to bloom. Some of us may get nice, soft soil and others a curb. But as your picture shows, even if we get the “curb,” we can still bloom:~)
.-= Sara Healy´s last blog ..Who is Your Target Audience? =-.
Hi Robert – I love how you managed to turn that pic into such an inspiring story. Even in this economic climate – you won’t be out of work for long.
@Shari – It took me a while (I’m a somewhat, er, slow learner) but I finally figured out the TWO parts to that formula: being ready, and identifying the opportunity. Won’t work without both.
Oh, and Spiderman is my hero for many reasons. Always took inspiration from him when I was a kid.
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
@Joanna – Hey, thanks for the theme this month, Joanna; it’s a good one for most of us, I think.
You’re right about how bein’ a blogger helps us “see” the possibilities more. Even Mrs. MZM is gettin’ in on it. She’ll see something odd or interesting, turn to me and say, “You should blog about that!”
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
@Janice – Hey, I appreciate your kind words, and the “Texas smile” sure put on on me too! Thanks, and a tip o’ the hat to ya!
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
@Write a Writing – Thanks!
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
@Karen – “… here’s to scanning horizon for possibilties in unusual places”
Amen to that one, Karen! (raises mug of iced tea)
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
@Sara – I’m so glad to meet you, Sara, and nice of you to drop by the Zone, too. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement!
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
@Cath – Wow, I hope that’s true, Cath! Definitely going to have to be very creative in THIS economy!
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
Wow Robert, what a lesson-filled post! There’s the lesson about looking for possibilities in the most unusual places – who would have expected such beautiful flowers at the curbside. The lesson of perseverance and determination. How many other seeds tried growing there but failed? The lesson to see the wonderment in the small things around us. How many people have driven past those flowers, missing that enjoyment? What else do we miss around us? And I’m sure there’s a lesson here about the law of attraction or something like that. You went out intending to take a photo, and you finally found it, a block from home. Final lesson: never give up on yourself. Believe in yourself and you’ll go far!
Thanks for being such an entertaining teacher, Robert. I always enjoy your writing style.
.-= Glenda Watson Hyatt´s last blog ..Speech-to-Speech Service Not Available in Canada? Pity. =-.
Oh I sooo love this post, Robert! I love that you’ve found your photo-spidey-sense. I love that you’re carrying your camera to find those special everyday details that have the power to make a day extraordinary. I love that you’re so positive in your outlook. And I love that you’re continuing to ‘bloom where you are’.
By writing this post, you’ve woken me up to the very powerful realisation that I am waiting. I am waiting for the next big thing in my life to come along & I’ve put my blooming on hold. How dare I! Thank you so much for the wake up call, my friend.
Amy
xx
.-= amypalko´s last blog ..A Little Faith =-.
@Amna… thanks – I will now forever think of you all as a bouquet of gorgeous flowers
@Sara, so glad to introduce you to Robert – he’s a blogging star, and has been a great friend to me for a long time
@Glenda – it’s great to see you
I love Robert’s style too… he knows how to get to the heart of things, without us feeling we’re been ‘taught’ something – definitely an art form
@ Amy – it’s amazing where photography can take us. Your inspiration to others to take photos has changed things for many of us I’m sure. I know it has for me. Thanks
And here’s to you being bloomin’ marvelous
@Glenda – Wow, nicely summarized, Glenda! I especially like the last little lesson about never giving up. Always a useful trait to cultivate, wouldn’t ya say? You’re a model of that!
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
@Amy – Dang! Looks like I accidentally started somethin’ again. Hey, I think Joanna can identify with that, can’t you Joanna?
I’ll just fall back on my usual disclaimer: It’s not my fault!
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
Robert, “never give up” is a trait of a survivor; an absolute necessity when looking for employment. With your outlook and openness to possibility, you won’t be lacking for long!
.-= Glenda Watson Hyatt´s last blog ..Speech-to-Speech Service Not Available in Canada? Pity. =-.
@Glenda – Thanks a herd for the confidence, Glenda! I can’t fail with friends like you! (tips hat)
.-= Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..Two Birds, One Stone =-.
Robert, you don’t need to sigh. Even though you’re not the Spiderman, but to me, you’re Robert – The indestructible storyteller!
Well Robert do you think Wilson has got the branding for you there: the indestructible storyteller…?
Robert,
You always have the best stuff. Proud to know ya, Bubba.
George
.-= Tumblemoose´s last blog ..Book ‘em, Dano – Ten fully arrest-able query gaffs =-.
George that’s how I feel about him too
Is this a post or a conversation? Started as a post, ended as conversation. And as conversations go, you had me nodding, slapping my thighs in merriment, and feeling your bouquet of a post had brightened this weary soul.
Remarkable writing, Robert. Love it so much I’m emboldened to say tip o’ the hat to you – knowing full well I’m still not so equipped to do that. “,)
.-= jan geronimo´s last blog ..So, You Want to Write a Book? =-.
jan I know what you mean… sometimes it feels like that’s the only way to greet the man properly
[...] to those who are willing to do what is necessary to achieve them. (Yes, I really said that; see my guest post at Confident Writing) And what’s really wonderful about those good things that – finally – come along is, [...]