Learning to Smell the Flowers, Even in Difficult Seasons

One thing I would like to learn to be better at is to smell the flowers during difficult seasons.

I mean, I say it all the time and even remind friends when they’re going through tough moments. But somehow, I still find it difficult to incorporate into my own life.

It’s like I’m so fixated on the problem that taking my eyes off it even for a second feels like I’m being unserious. I would love to be that person who acts like they’ve got no cares in the world, someone who deals with whatever life is throwing at them graciously, with peace and calm.

But the question remains: why can’t I be that person?

It always feels like I’m waiting to exhale, and the exhale only comes after the issue has been resolved. But if life’s issues make me feel like I’m constantly waiting to exhale, then when do I start breathing?

I want to be able to enjoy the flowers.
To be present in the moment.
To go on dates.
To do something fun, something joyful.

But life hasn’t been kind in that regard.

I’ve been taught to focus on my challenges—and my challenges alone. I’ve been taught to be fixated on solving a particular problem without giving room for anything else. And the mere fact that I dare to do otherwise could prompt questions like, “Why are you laughing?” or “Why are you happy when you haven’t solved this problem yet?”

In a way, I’ve been conditioned to put the things that bring me joy on hold until the issue is resolved. Only then, it seems, am I “allowed” to be happy.

But I want to be happy while I’m figuring life out.

I want to be able to smile, to dance, to rest—even as I navigate difficulties.
So, why do I have to put one on hold just to focus on the other?

Anyway, amidst all this childhood conditioning and internalised pressure, one thing I’m learning to do every day is this:

Enjoy all seasons of my life.
Joy and struggle can co-exist.
Healing doesn’t have to wait for a solution.

What’s one thing you’re learning to do? Share in the comments, I’d love to know.

If you made it to the end of this post, leave me a comment or like this post. Also, do check out my previous post on ‘It’s Okay to Not Have Everything Figured Out’ here and check out the latest episode from my podcast here.