I find it easier to understand who I am spending time with if I take a step back and view people somewhat as flowers, a specific type of plant, or a particular kind of tree, thus with Roots (1), Branches (2) and Leaves (3). As we all know, these living organisms bare Fruit and Berries (4) based on where they Grow (5), who (if so) is lovingly Tending to them (6), and what type of Nourishment (7) they are receiving or taking part in enabling.

1. Heritage and root causes
2. Family and effects
3. Side effects, sensitivities, talents
4. Outcome
5. Environment
6. Care
7. Books, feedback, responses, education, input

So, what does that mean exactly?

Well, this is how I perceive it to be:

• Some people and relationships are like wildflowers. They grow where and when they want to grow, and bloom where, when, and how they want to bloom. Always in whatever color they choose. There is no way of “taming” them, and to those who try, I’d say “don’t.”
  To those I’ve likened to wildflowers, I say to myself: “let them grow at their own pace.”
• Some people and relationships are like apple trees. Their red apples and offers are made in a somewhat threatening manner (like SALE signs). Still, it seems unwise to pick an apple from a tree growing in an environment where one suspects that Nourishment and soil are “polluted” (misinformed, corrupted by money, selfishness, etc.).
  To those I’ve likened to apple trees, I say to myself: “Choose wisely.” Not a day has passed where choices aren’t made.
• Some people and relationships are like resurrection plants. You can leave them be for years, and from the outside looking in, it seems as if the relationship between you and the plant has met its end. However, given Nourishment again, the plant, as its name suggests, resurrects. As good as new. These relationships are probably some of the most healthy and should be valued most highly if anyone ever comes across one.
  To those I’ve likened to resurrection plants, I say to myself and to them: “Congratulations.”
• Some people and relationships are like orchids. Magnificent, beautiful, and angelic. They like the sound of crickets and, like most flowers, light up even the dullest of environments just by merely being.
  To those I’ve likened to orchids, I say to myself: “Convey messages to them as if your voice is the carrier of the most fragile piece of glass.”

The wondrous thing is, I managed to resurrect two orchids this year. It brought me to think about how maybe everyone is, more or less, a combination of all four and how incredible the fact is that something or someone can grow to flourish in such a short time, given love in a language they understand.

What has your perception brought you to believe?

Sincerely,