I am a college student who was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia when I was 13. I always knew that I was a bit different from the rest of the kids in my classes because I learned information very differently. I was always fascinated by learning and I wanted to know everything I could possibly learn but, I had a hard time staying focused or understanding the information that was given to me. Now, as a 25 year old who has successfully graduated from two different colleges, started her own business and has figured out how to advocate for herself to learn most efficiently, I feel that I have a say in how my personal journey has led me to understand the need for nature in my space.
In early 2019 I was diagnosed with a pain disorder called Fibromyalgia. Additionally I was diagnosed with PTSD & co-occurring anxiety and depression. While a lot of these new labels helped me feel more understood, I was simultaneously freaking out and feeling lost being so unfamiliar with these mental health disorders. Not to mention I was constantly exhausted and struggled to find balance in my life. I had a wonderful team of medical & holistic professionals as well as my family who supported me and offered compassion when I felt my worst. I began researching natural ways to help my symptoms and I found an article which listed house plants as a way to soothe the brain during episodes of difficult mental health.
I went to my local Nursery and I chose two pothos plants, a heart shaped foliage plant perfecct for trailing over windows and a tradescantia zebrina that is a semi succulent vining plant with small guitar pick shaped leaves that have light purple variegation.
Initially I went through a few stages of buyer’s remorse, being unsure if I would be able to take care of these new plants, but, I understood that if I did manage to kill them there were plenty of other replacements at the nursery and that this would just be a learning curve similar to understanding my own needs for treating my new Mental Health struggles. I began to realize over the next few months that these plants not only brought me joy but they taught me new lessons about care. Some weeks I forgot to water them and they inevitably wilted. Other weeks I gave them too much water and their leaves yellowed. I saw similarities somehow my plant care was either lacking or being overzealous and it felt like a reflection of my own care for myself. I knew that I needed to find a happy middle in order to keep my plants feeling good.
I share these stories because I believe that we are always in transition and what might work one week may not have the same effect the next week. Being able to grow from what you’ve learned is incredibly important and having compassion for yourself even in rough patches will allow you to find what you truly need to feel your best.
Mira's Take on Tech 