The Repot

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

Wearing a too-small-shoe is painful, being in a life that is too small also hurts.   A repot is needed when a lack of growth and nutrients form a root ball.  Once root-bound, one must get the plant out of its pot, hopefully without breaking it.  Any plant ready for a repot should slide out in one piece, the plant then goes in a pot that’s larger than its self to access a full supply of nutrients.  This surely applies to the human condition when we find ourselves living a too-small life. Recognizing the need for a repot is the essential first step.  Signs include:

• feeling anxious on Sunday nights
• the desire to have a larger circle of influence, make more of a difference
• the need for more autonomy
• making room for the little things while avoiding the big
• confusing busy-ness with productivity

Repotting oneself does not require changing jobs or breaking what’s already in place (though it could). It requires a stepping onto a larger space, taking of responsibility that was not given to you, with originality.  Here are some human repots that promoted a surge in growth and fulfillment:

• Instead of writing another dreaded newsletter as part of her job, a client put her whole self into writing far more edgy, provocative and personal essays.  Nothing changed but her attitude and approach and she never asked for permission.
•  A client volunteered to find project management software to help his team work more efficiently rather than complaining continuously about his ineffective team.  This was done so well, he was offered a new position in IT.
•  A jewelry maker whose business was failing, approached a city mayor to purchase seized guns. She melted the illegal guns into jewelry and belt buckles. Each piece carries the illegal firearm serial number and renamed her company “Caliber”. She is now wildly successful.

Roots packed tightly in a pot don’t take up nutrients efficiently.  Could you use a trim or soil refresh to give a pot bound existence a new lease on life?  All healthy plants eventually outgrow their pot.

 Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.        John F. Kennedy