Get Your Bloom On
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 10:39AM 
From my Garden Arts photo shoot, April 2009, New Smyrna, FL
I was in a bit of a mood yesterday. Stressed. Overwhelmed. Cranky.
And I was feeling stuck in that mood for much of the day.
When I picked my daughter up from school, I ran into Paul, a parent friend of mine who is also in Future Thinking with me.
Paul asked how I was doing. I responded honestly how I was.
Wisely, he didn't ask more about my story or sympathize with me. Instead, drawing from our learning in Future Thinking, he asked what my core metaphor was. (Your core is your unique way of seeing and being in the world.)
"Flowers," I said.
"Well then," he said. "It's time to get your bloom on."
Oh, yeah. That's right.
A simple shift from the stuck place I was in to getting my bloom on.
Immediately, I could feel the tension release from my body as I connected with how I want to be in the world: a trusting flower, lovely in my unfolding, growing radiantly and effortlessly and perfect just the way I am. Having my bloom on in a big way.
It was such a great reminder about the power of a mindset shift — how you can change what you feel based on the story you are living in.
For me, I love life — and feel so centered — when I stand in my story of being like a flower. (Not so much when I'm in the story of being stuck in the mud of life and sinking in it!)
So today I've got my bloom on.
And it feels great.
Reader Comments (3)
My bloom is on today. I know because I went to the Farmer's Market for the first time this year and the only thing that caught my eye was a moon flower. And then someone asked me what a moon flower is, and I started to formulate my own personal definition, which is a metaphor for me ~ a flower that blooms and thrives in the cool moonlight. I will plant it today to get my bloom more ON!
Thank you for your unfolding, Shannon. You are perfect in every way.
i've enjoyed reading your blog over the last few days. it's been a real gift finding you after so many years of losing touch.
i was just the other day wondering, "do this girl ever have a bad day? does she ever get cranky?" and i see that yes, you do. but then you catch yourself, and you immediately move forward into positivity. that is just amazing to me.
i'm working on being less cynical, less "snarky", and learning how to manage stress (especially at work.)
after a really rough day in the office yesterday, i went home and tried to find my joy, to "get my bloom on". i came to work today with some lilacs in a vase from the backyard, my beloved starbucks, and a smile. it seems to be working.
i'm attempting to get my bloom on (and keep it on!) in an incredibly unpleasant corporate environment. thanks for providing such a lovely example!
Kim, I love your moonflower metaphor — that is such a wonderful fit for you! I wonder what else you can learn from it as you watch it grow, bloom & change……
and Jennifer, I so love how you got your bloom on with lilacs, starbucks and a smile. Indeed I do have bad days, And catching myself and choosing a different story makes a big difference for me. I honor your commitment to blooming big — and trying new things to get your bloom on!
Hugs to both of you beautiful flowers!!
ox Shannon