Blooming Under Adversity

Article by Tonya Menz Pignato, LCSW

Photo by Matthew Smith

            Many times, people ask me how can they feel happy surrounded by negative people in this world?   My Answer is always the same….  Joy does not come from the place, or the person, or the job, or how much money or material items you have acquired.  Joy lives inside of you.   We can create it or tear it down. We can protect it or allow others to damage it.    It is our responsibility to ourselves to find our ‘happy’ regardless of the external influences in our lives.  

            Although it is difficult to thrive when faced with opposition and negativity; it is not impossible.  It is like a wild flower growing in the middle of a busy sidewalk.  It’s desire to grow from the seed is innate and natural.  It will find a crack in the concrete to take the journey toward the sunlight; knowing that it needs light to survive.  As it blooms and grows tall, people might admire the beauty, but the strength lies beneath the ground.  The roots bring the nourishment.  The roots provide the foundation.   All of this begins with a tiny seed that was planted by a coincidence or by intention.

            This is what we need to do as well.  No matter what difficult situation we face, we need to plant intentional seeds for confidence and joy.  Once we plant the seed, we then fertilize it.  We can surround ourselves with supportive, caring people who believe in who we are.   We can listen to inspirational lectures and Podcasts.  We can read daily meditations, scriptures, or positive affirmations each morning.  We can take care of our bodies by eating healthy and exercising.   We can journal daily our intentions, our feelings and our gratitude.  This will be our foundation; this will be our roots.  These behaviors will keep us hopeful and self-assured.  If we feel this satisfaction, then we will search for the light, and ignore the dark. Our Joy will survive.   

The Wild Flower

As People pass by in this hurried life.

They always seem aware.

Of the beautiful wildflower growing tall,

Along the busy roads we share.

It continually grows proud and strong,

With vivid colors so bright;

Withstanding the aggression thrown its’ way,

Rooted securely through nature’s plight.

When will the negativity effect it’s growth?

When will it begin to brown?

It can only shine and bloom so long,

Before the anger tears it down.

But the wildflower trusts the process.

And meekly stands without fear.

Knowing that there is a seed within

That will continue to persevere.

T.M.M.

2011