A thought for the day:

The saying is “Bloom where you’re planted.” Certainly there is no denying the wisdom of that. You cannot always choose where you are, for a wide variety of reasons, so make the best of it.

But that doesn’t always work. Sometimes you find yourself in a place where, no matter how hard you try, things just don’t go right. The people around you don’t make you feel good about yourself, and your environment is so unpleasant that you don’t even feel comfortable in your own skin. Sometimes it starts out right, but then changes in a way where you just don’t belong there any more.

If I were giving a graduation speech, I would say to the new graduates: Plant yourself where you can bloom. Accept and understand the macro things in your life, your family, your talents, your interests, and even your looks. Those things are the immutable elements of the seed that is you. But knowing those big things about yourself, look for a place where you are happy to get up every day. Where, like a flower, the soil is just right, you get the right balance of rain and sun, and it doesn’t get too hot or too cold to damage you beyond repair.

The metaphor goes on and on. Find a place where you feel satisfied that your talents are the right ones for what you are doing. Where you are surrounded by people who make you feel wanted and appreciated. Where you can look around your environment and say, “This is a really good place. I am happy here.” Things may get tough sometimes, but ultimately, if you hang in there, you’ll grow back from your roots and be stronger and tougher because you overcame the challenge.

Bloom where you’re planted, yes, but more importantly, plant yourself where you can bloom.