By Sarah McKinney
Have you ever heard the saying, Bloom where you’re planted? Essentially, it suggests making the most of your circumstances—adapting and thriving where you are. While the optimist in me appreciates this sentiment, the skeptic wonders, what if your environment is stifling your growth?
Several weeks ago, photographer and avid gardener Micahla Vaughn posted a video showing herself moving a rose bush that had once been planted near a tree in her yard. She struggled to remove the rooted plant and rehome it in an area that received more direct sunlight. Micahla explained that the rose bush, while healthy and growing, had never produced a rose—yet, in a matter of days in its new environment, a single bloom appeared.
“It’s not about the rose,” she said in her video, without offering any further explanation.
The message hit me in a way I wasn’t prepared to receive.
I’ve spent most of my life trying to bloom where I was planted—staying too long in jobs that weren’t right for me, adapting to fit in with others, or rearranging my life for a relationship. I stayed where I was—where I thought I was meant to be—treading water, playing small, and just existing rather than thriving. I spent years allowing my circumstances to stifle my growth, despite my best efforts.
Until one day, I gave myself permission to move—to step into a brighter, more vibrant environment that fed me and filled my cup. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen all at once. It took years of baby steps—one decision at a time—moving in the direction I felt called to go. And slowly, I began to notice signs of progress.
My blooms showed up in the form of a brighter demeanor, contentment in my work, peace deep in my soul, genuine happiness, and the ability to live and love from a place of abundance rather than scarcity. And while all these things are wonderful, it still isn’t about the rose. It’s about the environment, the journey and the opportunity for growth.
Sure, you can bloom where you’re planted. You can make the most of an unfavorable situation. But you can also pick yourself up and move to an environment better suited to your needs.
Fair warning: it’s not easy. There may be pain and labor involved—but imagine the reward.
And consider this: you have beauty and gifts that are needed in this world. You shine brighter when you’re happy, healthy, and thriving—and I can’t wait to see you bloom.
With love and roses,
-Your Sister Friend Sarah