There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. -Anais Nin

How many of us are still painfully budded or unknowingly in a bud? There are a few ways to determine the state of your flower. I became painfully aware that I was still in a bud when working in “my dream career.” As a child, I envisioned my future self as a princess or Paula Abdul’s successor; the more mature and realistic me wanted a career in event marketing.

I was working, making money, and “living the life.” Yet I was painfully unfulfilled, tired, bored and tight in a bud. How did I break out? It is an ongoing process -- sometimes so scary that I want to go back to that unfulfilling (yet well paying) familiar career. However, my personal philosophy is that, “A butterfly never reverts to the cocoon… no matter how afraid it is of flying.”

When will we blossom?

When we are ready to accept that just because family, friends or the greater society thinks what you’re doing is awesome, doesn’t mean that you necessarily feel awesome about what you’re doing. You shouldn’t feel bound by duty to do your job. You should feel compelled to do it because you LOVE IT!

When you feel that you have a greater or a truer calling. Being true to yourself should be top priority on your list. We all have talents, a gift, a purpose that will serve the world and make us happy. When you’re just in it for the money, free samples, employee discount etc.—it may be time to go.

When you realize that you’re comfortable and content. Yet, you are not satisfied with your position. Often times we settle because we fear the unknown. Don’t settle because you fear that you won’t be as content, comfortable or successful in another environment. That is a poor excuse to remain stagnant and risk missing out on life’s possibilities.

How does one blossom?

Do something that makes you happy, whether you’re good at it or not. Love poetry, but can’t rhyme to save your life? Jot down a few lines and throw a “spoken word session” at home. Invite some friends and have fun. Love the feeling of being in the kitchen, but you burn toast? Invite a friend who cooks well and have a few cooking for fun lessons! The point is in order to bloom, you’ve got to try. As the age old adage goes “Nothing beats a failure but a try”

Learn yourself. In this fast pace “microwavable” world everything is almost instantaneous. Including the way we grow-up. We multi-task constantly between work, social media and just being social. We rarely get a moment just to ourselves. Set aside some to be with by yourself and truly with yourself. No TV, books, cell phones, laptops. Its amazing what you tell yourself about yourself when you are free from distractions. Are you thinking about work? Family? What you think about gives key insight into how you are flowering, if you are flowering, or how you can begin to blossom.

Figure out what you fear. Are you afraid of being inadequate? Afraid of success or failure? Maybe you’re afraid of being afraid. Knowing your fear is a key to decoding how you can become fearless! As my mom says, “Everybody dies, but not everybody lives.”

Can you think of anything has helped you blossom? Is there anything keeping you in a bud? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

L. Renae is a Chicago native. Born learner, world traveler and foodie, and lover of the arts L. Renae has been writing since she learned to put her pre-teen angst on paper. Having worked in the Press Department of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., and with SCLC, she has developed her skills in the areas of religious ministries and social justice organizations since her teen years. She currently operates her own event marketing business. She is looking forward to the completion of her undergrad degree in Public Relations.