The grass in only greener where?...

With the attainment of New Year’s Resolutions well underway, I believe that one of the resounding mantras that we have probably heard is, “The grass is greener where you water it.” This is such a wisdom drenched statement, yanking us from the pits of wishful thinking and setting us on the solid ground of intentionality oriented goals. However, our journey of becoming has proven that life’s gems are always layered and even the seemingly simple recipes for excellence require breaking apart for implementation. So, while it is factual that purposefully nurturing a goal is what yields favourable results, it is also true that you can wholeheartedly produce scribbles, what we call “mabharangizha” in Shona. If you have been giving your goals what you perceive to be the best of you but it has still been giving you absolute ratchet vibes, “the ghetto” as the streets say, then this is the part where you say 'Amen.'

This, Progressive Hearts, is why I have resolved to say that, “The grass is greener where you water it, on account of there being a complementary relationship between the grass and the water supply.” That is to say that there are different grass types and not all of them require the same amount of water or the frequency of watering. Now, I don’t know how this perspective is making you feel but I will be the first to admit that the revelation stung. This is because it served as a notification that I ought to understand myself as the “grass” under watering; which is hard work because I’m a multifaceted grass type. I have roots that go deep into the ground and some that just like to be seen. My stem can be straight but sometimes it just likes to have a good time and sway from side to side.

The grass types below do not have a "one method works for all" policy. As attested to by their environment, their functions are different and so is the tending undertaken. In the same way, you too cannot water your grass (self) without a comprehensive understanding of your environment and destined function.

Let me make it relatable for you by using academic references. While studying Literature in English, all I needed was a single read of a drama text to effectively relay the entire plot to someone else. This is where my roots that love to be visible were seen. It didn’t take a lot to get the job done. However, with History, my roots were a bit deeper into the ground and we needed a whole team to come pull them out. This meant that I needed to develop different studying strategies for the two subjects. It was more so of a necessity because failure to do so would leave me liable to implementing another person’s strategy, which would have me making misguided comparisons. At this point I believe we all know what the result would be, “mabharangizha” (scribbles).

Therefore, if we are to effectively water our grass in this year, I believe that we will need to prioritise the act of assessing our grass (ourselves) and decide on what we will need in nurturing our plant. For some, the process of attaining the goal has been long underway, unknown to ourselves at times, and so we don’t need to start from the research point as some may need to. You probably have the knowledge but fear has been holding you in shackles and so your grass needs to be watered with confidence. For another person, their confidence is on steroids but they keep running into walls because they do not have the data necessary to draw up strategy.

In some cases, you may need to decipher between the different elements of your life and the varying water supplies. While your career ambitions may need to be watered with intentionality, your family relations may need to be watered with honesty and your leisure life may need you to be a bit more bold. Different strokes for the different aspects of your painting.

The grass below may look the same but they are distinct features that cause it to be treated differently. Similarly, you may look like others but best believe that you have traits that set you apart and require you to water yourself differently. You are one entity but your body parts (the facets of your life) require unique forms of nurturing.

It is also of essence to remember that while we may have started a new year, our "new selves" have a history. Awareness of what that history entails will allow you to tend to your grass accordingly because not every good thing is a great fit for you. If you're a grass type that has survived well in humid conditions, plunging yourself into the stream might work against you. That's not to say you can't adapt, but it is to say that there needs to be an informed method to the seeming madness.

With that having been said, as the year progresses, it is my desire for your progressive heart to understand the grass well enough to know how to water it. It will help you make a realistic follow up and rescue you from the pits of comparison with another person’s grass. Let us not waste our water by investing with a pure heart in the wrong places.

Her journeying soul,

Pretty Conscience