This is a story about a houseplant

This is a story about a houseplant (+ perhaps a bit more).

My dear friends Linda and Judith are multi-talented and multi-dimensional women, two of the smartest and kindest people I know. They sometimes visit me. On one of those visits, Judith said "that clivia plant of your needs to be re-potted and the roots covered." "The what?" I replied. I'm an indifferent gardener and plant caretaker at best, and I didn't even remember where that houseplant had come from nor what its needs were. I watered it occasionally and it seemed to do well enough, but I never knew more. "Oh, yes, re-pot it, cover up those roots, and it will give you a lovely flower," advised Judith.

Because I admire Judith's gardening skills, I knew she was giving me helpful advice. I followed it. A few days later with potting soil and a bigger pot, that clivia was in a happier place. Several months passed and suddenly I noticed the loveliest flower about to bloom. This made me think about taking advice, the things I do well, the things I don't do well, and why all this matters.

I'm quick sometimes to remind myself what I don't do well — like garden or take care of houseplants — but I sometimes forget that I do excel at following through. A procrastinator I've never been. So hearing good and clear advice from a trusted and reliable source meant I had to act. I was grateful for Judith's counsel and grateful that I followed through.

Advice from a trusted source is as good as it is rare these days. I listened closely to someone I know to be a good gardener. Know who you're listening to when seeking advice. (Or even when not seeking advice.) The information overload we all experience means we must discern the most valuable and authentic sources of information. But after listening, taking action is on you! Judith wasn't re-potting the plant for me; I did that myself. The result — a thing of beauty.