They call me Lonicera Japonica, and I am a leader by example. My skin is tough yet tender, and my form is strongyet pliable. I am as sturdy as a tree, yet as supple as a leaf. I keep my roots nestled deeply into my foundation – digging deeper each day to fortify my base and strengthen my footing. Growing upward from my deep-seated roots, I establish a fervent body centered in reliability which holds me in place andkeeps me grounded.
While I continue to flourish, I constantly plow and tunnel through the dirt – making sure to absorb only that whichwill benefit and nourish the budding life I am sustaining. As I cultivate a firmer connection to my source, evolving to further depths, my branches and stems reach outward and begin to multiply – elongating and extending to stretch out to my surroundings.
Although I fuel my growth from the inward energy I provide myself from my solid foundation, I also receive power from my encompassing habitat. I spend each day soaking up as much light and warmth as possible – letting it enrich me. Developing myself toward the light is my daily aim. This illumination saturates my essence with a sugary vitality which I send back out to the world around me. I influence my environment with the delightful fragrance of a pleasant atmosphere that attracts many walks of life.
While I can survive under almost any condition, I do prefer certain circumstances over others for optimal development. If there is a habitat that has been disturbed or damaged, either naturally or otherwise, I see it as an enthralling opportunity for intervention; I simply adore transforming the world around me into a prospect for growth. Anything can be a chance for a new crossing to have my vines explore and beautify.
Indeed, you can find me thriving in any arena, from natural or artificial to low-key or towering. My growth has nolimits for I can develop in any direction and in almost any circumstance. I can grow vertically or horizontally; I can lift myself to reach the highest canopy along with the tallest and sagest, or I can broaden my sphere and stretch my breadth to reach across to fresh and stimulating territory.
As an evergreen, my growth is nonstop because it occurs all year round. My efforts are never brought to a halt by a change in seasons or challenging times. Although I may favor and perform better in sunny spells, I am completely capable of prospering in even the darkest of stretches and densest of shades. Though I work vigorously when fortunate enough to find abundant and opulent resources, I still remain tolerant and determined in times of drought.
It may seem like nothing can stop me, however my progress does indeed become hindered if I fail to recognize the importance of those around me. I can not achieve any advancement without the contact and support of my surrounding support network. I must work in cooperation and concurrence with the lives that encircle me. It is through concordance with the world around me that I am able to evolve and attain expansion.
Consequently, I must be weary of my proclivity to be exceedingly determined, because my inclination to be intensely driven may sometimes work against me to my own disadvantage. If I am not careful, I may become too involved in and caught up with progressing, which will begin to overwhelm or overpower those around me. This accidental overshadowing transpires if I become too resolute or too dominating. If I am not cognizant of how forceful my ambitious nature can be, I risk leaving others in the dark. My ambition can end up blocking theirs. I may also risk the possibility of smothering others by grasping too tightly onto my course of escalation – not allowing the very lives upon which I am depending to carry out the unique and important characteristics they have to offer. This immense impact I have of being able to induce change and alter the lives around me is a great responsibility I have to them and to myself, because if I impair them, I am also impairing my own growth by losing their crucial support.
Though my ultimate goal is to grow, I can only do so by allowing the world around me to grow and flourish with me. I live my life aiming to produce bountiful fruit that nourishes the world with its sustenance. My purpose is to serve and to fill the lives of others with the bounty I am here to share. I must learn to use my gifts in the best way so that it will help all the lives around me prosper. I must remember that as a leader I am most successful when I remain focused on my mission to help all succeed. I am the Japanese Honeysuckle, and I am here for the growth of all.
COPYRIGHT Desiree Shokooh 3/23/2023
Desiree Shokooh: Creative Writer 