Why people are like flowers

I have always been fascinated with flowers, and the more I think about it, the more I realise how much flowers and people have in common. 

Let’s consider the structure of a flower, for example. Flowers are comprised of are many intricate parts. When was the last time you looked – and I mean really looked at a flower? The outer part consists of the petals, but if you look closer you will also observe the stamen, anther, stigma, style and other intricate parts at the centre of the flower. Just like us, flowers are comprised of many small parts that contribute to the greater whole, including the parts that we can’t see, but nonetheless play an essential role.

Now imagine a flower with lots of petals, such as a rose. When the petals are closed, overlapping layer upon layer and protecting the precious parts at the centre, we can’t see what is concealed beneath. But when a flower opens, or if we were to gently peel away the outer petals, an entire world lies within (including small insects that hide between layers!).

So it is with people. We are all made up of numerous layers which reflect our experiences and our personality. These layers make us unique, and we can choose to reveal or conceal them. Sometimes the layers of petals are damaged – burnt by the sun, or bruised by raindrops, but this only adds to the uniqueness. 

The key is to accept our layers as they are by embracing their natural beauty. Regardless of the insects that snack on our petals, or the wind that tears them, we are resilient and glorious in our natural state. The secret, says Israelmore Ayivor, is to “Behave like the flower; it blooms with its own petals without bothering to take the colour of another flower’s petals. You can excel with what you have!” 

Bloom in your own time.