Planting Seeds of Change (yes, you can).
Have you ever thought about how much change one small action(s) can make? We often think that in order to create change, we need to do something big and grandiose. But the truth is, even the smallest of actions can create a ripple effect that has the potential to change the world and it starts with us.
One example is Nathan from Melbourne, Australia. I learned of Nathan from the Facebook page Humans In Melbourne. Nathan is kindly referred to as, "Carrot Man". It might surprise you to learn that Nathan is called Carrot Man, because they carry a very large self-made carrot around Melbourne just for the opportunity to make people smile (read the full story here). Do you think Nathan would have as much success in their goal by walking around Melbourne just telling people to smile? If not, why?
Another example is how we personally allow Sunflowers and Milkweed (no chemicals) to flourish in our front yard during the Summer months. In this case, we didn't plant any of these seeds, we simply noticed they were growing in our yard and let them be. Sunflowers and Milkweed are wonderful habitats for many pollinators. We have Butterflies, Bees, Box Elder Bugs, Wasps, Spiders, and Birds, like the American Goldfinch, come and visit every year. We have been told by many people that they love seeing the Sunflowers and Milkweed, they make them smile, and they too want them in their yard. Although this wasn't our intent, we have planted seeds within others just by allowing something that we love, and is great for the environment, to grow in our yard.
Milkweed and Sunflowers from our yard Summer of 22'
One of our Sunflowers and a pollen covered Bee Summer 22'
Two winged creatures enjoying one of our Sunflowers Summer 22'
A fly sitting upon a closed Sunflower Summer 22'
The final example is a friend of ours, Laima, who runs Silver and Sacred on Facebook. Laima makes jewelry, candles, and whatever else her heart desires when she's not teaching. All of the proceeds of what Laima makes and sells goes directly to students and schools in need. This includes grocery gift cards, food, diapers, hygienic items, and anything else that might be needed. She doesn't do this for recognition. Laima is planting so many seeds in the lives that she encounters by seeing a need and filling it.
Planting seeds of change is about supporting and doing things we love to do and potentially opening up the minds of others in the process. It is not about forcing others to live or think the way we do. People will smile and change when/if they want to smile and change, and what a lovely way to assist in that by carrying a big ol' carrot around, allowing big tall Sunflowers and Milkweed to grow in groups during the Summer, or by donating proceeds from Art. Small actions do equate to change, so don't be afraid to plant some seeds!