This morning a felt a deep conviction in my spirit to deviate from my usual daily routine a bit. My day began with the usual prayer and short meditation. However instead of doing a session of yoga and eating breakfast, I took a quick shower, got dressed and got to my garden plot as quickly as I could. On my way out the door, I quickly glanced at the paperwork and to do list on my desk. Although I just literally just got out of bed, I did not have the stamina to tackle that stack.

Less than 10 minutes later I arrived at the community garden where my plot is located. It had only been a little over an hour since sunrise and life in this neck of the woods was in full swing. The breeze was soft and warm. The sun brightly kissed the sky. As I opened the main gate to the garden, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of growth that had occurred over the last few days due the frequent thunderstorms. The tomato plants grew at least 3 inches taller and 4 inchers wider. Sunflowers and corn looked like they were hi-fiving the clouds. The summer squash resembled large green octopuses holding yellow bouquets and mini- green baseball bats. Bees did their breakfast dance, hopping from vivid patches of red, purple, pink and yellow. They paid me no attention at all as I walked by.

When I got to my plot, I started working to remove the yellowing plants that were not thriving. Then I got rid of any extra summer crops that I was not going to use because of changing dietary issues. Finally, the last things I did before I took a break were pruning and weeding. During my break, I rested, drank some water and reflected. As I looked the progress that took place, I began to feel a deep sense of accomplishment. The area looked neater and less cramped. There was more space in between the vegetation, which improved the air flow and sun penetration. I was able to determine where I could create two rows for cool season crops. I also found a couple containers to re-use.

After a few more minutes, I got up to continue my work. I reached into my fanny pack and pulled out a couple packs of seeds. Just like an expecting mother I was still struggling to make choices up until the very last moment before birth. This struggling had been going on for at least six months. Hence the collection of seeds catalogs in my apartment and the many trips to Lowes, Home Depot and Walmart garden centers. So many options to choose from and all very desirable. However, I narrowed it down to a few of my favorite vegetables that I look to cook and eat. I also based my finally decision on my declining eye sight. For example, last year I had a bumper crop of bush beans. Unfortunately, harvesting them became difficult because the green beans were hard for me to spot in between the green leaves. So, this year I choose to try purple ones. Along with purple carrots and broccoli. Purple strings beans were planted two months earlier and they were doing great. The petite purple flowers on the pole vines were stunning. The beans turn green when you cook them, and they tasted delicious.

Continuing on with the purple theme, in the first row I planted purple snax carrots. I got them tucked in and labeled. Since the carrots were root crops, I was going to sow a leafy cool season crop, kale, in the second row. That did not pan out. I began to read the seed packet some more before I opened it to plant the contents and it stated, “BEST IF PLANTED IN CONTAINERS.” Time for another change! I saved the kale for the containers and planted some purple broccoli in the second row.

My time in the garden was coming to an end. I got a lot done. I put away the tools, took the weeds out to the proper disposal bins and watered everything. I took my final break before leaving. Again, as I rested and reflected on what was done, the feeling of accomplishment returned. I felt it more than before. My plot looked less crowded and neater. The pole beans were still putting forth lots of pods. The late potatoes and bush beans were habituating nicely next one another. My tomatoes and basil were growing in harmony in their area. Last but not least the new greenie babies were in their new homes to make their debut in the fall. Not a disgruntle neighbor in the bunch. To top it all off, I got to enjoy all this in a such a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere.

That is when the thought hit me. THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED! To see and feel the tangible results of my labor. This experience refreshened and invigorated me. I was able to return home and work on completing the paperwork and to do list. As I grow older and wiser, I realize that it is ok to heed the signals our conscience is telling us. There is nothing more constant than change. Circumstances change, people change physically and mentally. It is ok to do things differently to accommodate these changes. Like me growing purple vegetables because of the decline my eyesight. Changing my morning routine to get out of a mental, physical and emotion rut. Which allowed me to continue my day and deal with the drudgery of paperwork and to do list. Purple vegetables may seem weird to some people, but there is an old saying “TRY IT, YOU MIGHT LIKE. IT” and I will end with another saying “CHANGE IS GOOD.”