While browsing through my favorite antique shop the other day I happened to spy a cheap-looking plaque inscribed with the words, "Growth requires a temporary surrender of security."

I read the words once then walked away, pondering their meaning. I was struck by the truth of the message and walked back to the plaque, took out paper and pencil and wrote them down.

I am, like so many others, often afraid of change. Often preferring the safety of the known over the excitement and challenge of the unknown.

Those who choose security over growth continue in unfulfilling relationships. Fighting the same old battles. Handling the same old problems in the same old ways. Getting the same result.

When we choose security at work, we often remain in jobs that make us money but that lack real interest and where our own talents go unrecognized and unused.

We want to see the world but are afraid to fly.

We want financial security but remain stuck in the patterns of spending and living paycheck to paycheck.

We want to see the view from the top but won’t accept the challenge of the climb.

What happens when we let go of fear?

What happens is, we build an airplane and fly it. We climb a mountain and plant our flag. We start a business. We change the patterns in our relationships and break old habits. We showcase our talents for singing, writing or speaking. We run for office. We take a class or get a degree.

I have a houseplant called a peace lily that was sent to my mother’s funeral by my coworkers. I have had the plant for over 5 years. Needless to say, the plant is special to me. It was a part of the celebration of my mother’s life and shared in the tears of our family's final goodbyes. I have never re-potted the plant, and its once-robust foliage has been reduced to several rather straggly leaves.

I was afraid to attempt re-potting because I don't have a green thumb, but it became evident that if I didn't re-pot the plant, it was going to die.

You see, the plant had outlived the soil’s nutrients. It was not going to grow where it was. It was either going to die in the same old dirt or thrive in new ground.

So I read up on the care of the peace lily, bought the soil and finally transplanted it.

Each day as I see the new leaves shooting up from the fresh soil, I am reminded of a quote from one of my favorite movies, “The Shawshank Redemption" – “Get busy living, or get busy dying."

That was the message of the plant. That is the message of the plaque.

***
D. Barbara McWhite grew up in York County, S.C., and lives in Orange Park, Fla., with her husband and cat.

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter below

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement