From my third-floor balcony, I’ve had the privilege of watching nature unfold. My small garden—home to roses, citrus, gardenias, and jasmines—has become an unexpected teacher.

One thing I’ve noticed over time is how my roses respond to the wind. They can handle strong gusts and adapt to momentary turbulence. But when the wind is relentless—day after day—it strips their new growth, tearing at the tender stems before they have a chance to flourish.

Then something remarkable happens. When the wind finally eases and the sun returns, growth appears all over the battered branches. It’s a moment of renewal, a reminder that resilience is possible—but only when the conditions allow for it.

This got me thinking—how often do we expect ourselves to keep pushing through, even when the conditions aren’t right for growth?

The Role of Struggle in Growth

There is growth in agitation. Frustration, discomfort, and even setbacks often signal that something deeper is stirring within us. Growth isn’t about avoiding hardship, but about knowing when the challenge is strengthening us and when it is simply stripping us bare.

The roses don’t stop growing because of the wind—but their growth is stalled until the environment shifts.

Reflections from the Garden

As I watch my roses, I find myself asking:

· Am I pushing through for the sake of endurance, or am I creating the right conditions for real growth?

· Is this challenge helping me become stronger, or is it depleting me?

· What areas of my life feel like a constant windstorm, and where do I need to pause and allow new growth to emerge?

· Am I in a season of waiting, or is it time to actively change my environment?

Just like the garden, we need the right balance of challenge and nurture. Growth is always possible—but sometimes, the first step is recognizing when we need to shift, pause, or protect our energy.

What lessons have you learned from nature? I’d love to hear your reflections.