A Eulogy for Charlie the Cactus
Because, even though I adore plants, I am not gifted with a green thumb, poor Charlie (the cactus pictured above) has reached his inevitable end. Naturally, after caring for my plants and going through such lengths as to name them, I am quite sad as to his passing. Oddly enough, however, I have for some reason found my recently deceased cactus to be a metaphor for my relationships.
There are two things plants need to grow -- light and water. I know this is quite rudimentary scientific information, but, please, indulge me for a minute. Of course, as you already know, too much of either sunlight or water can be detrimental for a plant. I believe this is the same for relationships, whether romantic or platonic.
Relationships need water, or in other words, people need attention. Quite like how Charlie met his very tragic end, so do many of my relationships -- by over-watering. If you want a plant to grow, giving it two much water will only harm it. The same is true in relationships, when you want something so badly you try to force it or when you cling to the idea of a relationship so tightly you can't let go, you are running into dangerous territory. You must be confident enough in yourself that a relationship's outcome will not destroy you.
In addition, relationships need sunlight You need time apart and time to recharge yourself. allowing yourself space to continue to find yourself, strengthen your soul, and follow your own aspirations is much needed to continue personal growth. Too much space in a relationship, however, can also be dangerous, for giving a person too little attention will portray the message of disinterest.
Overall, it's about striking the perfect balance between spending time pursuing your goals and tending to yourself and between tending to your relationships and giving those around you their proper attention. Relationships, quite like growing plants, requires a balance that I still have yet to master. However, just attempting to achieve balance, I find, makes great strides towards attaining and maintaining healthy relationships.
