Have you ever looked at a dahlia flower and thought, "Wow, this might be the most perfect flower ever"? and then wondered how on earth it does that, without trying? Well, this question led me down a rabbit hole.
This Led Me To Think...
Dahlias are amazing because they don’t rush. They take their time, like a slow-cooked meal that tastes better the longer you wait (unless Mum puts it on the wrong setting and burns it!). When they first bloom, their flowers might look a little strange—kind of wobbly or uneven, often with an ugly centre! It’s almost like they’re stretching after a long nap, figuring out how to do their thing again. But give them a few more tries, and suddenly—BAM! They’re stunning, full of rich colors and perfect shapes that make you want to stare forever.
Which Led Me To Think Even More...
It’s funny how flowers and people aren’t that different. When you try something new or pick up something you haven’t done in a while, it’s totally normal to feel a bit awkward at first. Your "first bloom" might not be your best. But if you keep going, practicing, and putting in the care and effort, you start to grow stronger, more confident, and—you guessed it—awesome. This has been my goal recently, especially with learning Math, that I don't have to be perfect all the time!
And Down The Rabbit Hole I Went...
The coolest thing about dahlias is they remind us of an important life lesson: The best things take time. (Mum told me this ages ago, but I didn't really think about it then) Dahlias need sunshine, water, and a little bit of TLC to reach their full potential. A little extra water after a hot day makes a huge difference, right? And honestly, so do we! Whether it’s learning how to paint, trying to jump really high, or even writing your first book (ahem, the pictures in my second book are going to be way more fantastic than the first!), you’ve got to stick with it. After all, we all bloom in our own time; we all learn at our own speed; we're all good at our own things; and practice (and patience) make perfect.
So, next time you see a dahlia, remember: it didn’t become perfect overnight. It bloomed slowly, took its time, and became something beautiful. And you can, too.
What's Something You Are Working On?
Big or small, let me know—I’d love to cheer you on!
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