It takes six million grains of pollen to seed one peony, and salmon need a lifetime of swimming to find their way home, so we mustn't be alarmed or discouraged when it takes us years to find love or years to understand our calling in life. Everything in nature is given some form of resilience by which it can rehearse finding its way, so that, when it does, it is practiced and ready to seize its moment. This includes us. When things don't work out-when loves unexpectedly end or careers stop unfolding-it can be painful and sad, but refusing this larger picture keeps us from finding our resilience.
Finding love or our true purpose in life often takes time, akin to the natural processes around us. For instance, six million grains of pollen are needed to seed a single peony, and salmon journey tirelessly to return home. This emphasizes that we should not feel discouraged if our personal journeys are prolonged; nature teaches us patience and resilience.
Life's challenges, such as failed relationships or stalled careers, can deeply wound us. However, acknowledging the broader picture allows us to tap into our resilience. Just as nature rehearses its cycles, we too can prepare ourselves to recognize and embrace our moments when they arrive, even if it takes years to get there.
