Leaf Lessons: What my garden taught me about letting go, vulnerability, and strength

Sometimes we learn our most profound lessons from unexpected “teachers.” In my case, it wasn’t a person, a book, or a podcast. It was three small plants I nearly destroyed and then coaxed back to life—a pineapple, an avocado, and a mint. Each taught me something different about growth, resilience, and thriving even after hardship.

Pineapple: Nurture What’s Already Good

When I first brought my pineapple home, I was only thinking about lunch. As I munched on the juicy golden slices, I remembered my Dad telling me I could grow a whole pineapple plant just by placing the top in water. As the remains were destined for the trash anyway, I decided to give the plant a chance to grow roots and live in a happy little pot. 

I didn’t know if I had a green thumb, but I gave it a try anyway. Soon, fresh, spiky leaves reached for the sky and, surprisingly, stayed green. Amazed that it hadn’t died, I got pretty excited with every small change: new baby leaves emerging from the center, roots reaching to the sides, and mature leaves stretching taller.

Then, life got hectic, and I’ll admit my once rapt attention was diverted elsewhere. I did water my pineapple occasionally when it started to look parched, feeling rather guilty that I probably should’ve been doing more. Some of the leaves withered, becoming dry and twisted. I realized I was fixating on what was dying instead of focusing on what was still alive, and putting my effort into that.

This small change in mindset made a huge difference. I began focusing on the healthy bits, those that still held potential. I pruned the dead leaves, enriched the soil, and even whispered words of encouragement when I was certain no one else was listening. Slowly—so slowly—it began to flourish in ways I hadn’t expected, and grew more lush than ever. This experience gave me a sense of empowerment and taught me some valuable life lessons:

• Nurture what is already good, and you’ll be amazed by new growth.
• Let go of what’s already gone. Focus on what is salvageable, and cultivate that which can become fresh and vibrant.
• Just like plants, we grow better when we feed ourselves right—whether that’s physically, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally.

Avocado: Embrace Vulnerability and Resilience

After carving out the smooth, round seed from a (finally) ripe avocado, I toyed with an idea: could I grow this too? I watched a video on the process to set my expectations. I learned that if I stuck toothpicks in the seed, left it suspended over a cup of water in the sunlight, and practiced patience, it should grow. Sure enough, it cracked open, and its tiny roots reached for the water. It then began to sprout, growing tall and sending out small leaves full of potential. 

I was so proud! I planted the sprouted seed in a pot, then transferred it into a bigger one as it grew into a cute little stalk. I’d nurtured something from seed to tree! Yes, I know I have been through childbirth, yet this type of nurturing felt incredible in a different way. Hopeful to see even more growth, I moved my stalk to be with other plants in the great outdoors, and I regretted it almost instantly. The sun scorched the delicate leaves, and I fretted that I had killed it.

Yet, just like my pineapple, after trimming the burned bits, the avocado began its rebirth. New leaves pushed their way into the world. I thought about how growth can make us vulnerable, but that vulnerability is where we find our strength. I began applying this to my lived experience.

• Small beginnings can lead to endless possibilities.
• Life burns us sometimes, but we can grow from the experience and try again with more insight.
• Growth often exposes us, making us vulnerable to the elements or other people. That’s when we need to ask for help—and accept it from those who can tell when we need it. 
• In turn, we blossom from supporting others in their growth.

Mint: Overcome Adversity with Strength

Mint puts a spring in one’s step, a refreshing addition to the infused water I like to make. It is also known for its hardiness, but I didn’t understand just how hardy until, you guessed it, I almost murdered mine. I suppose I got cocky after the first two successful plant rescues. After another period of intense heat and not enough water, my mint plant became deathly crispy. I was certain that the summer heat had cooked it beyond repair.

Yet again, after a week of watering and quietly whispering apologies, tiny mint leaves pushed through the soil. It was alive! When I gave it what it needed consistently—water, sunlight, and space—it didn’t just survive; it thrived, even after being exposed to the worst possible conditions.

Mint taught me that, even when the odds are against us, we can still rally and come back even stronger.

• You are capable of beauty even when the environment doesn’t support you.
• The worst sometimes happens. Yet, we’re built to rise from it and emerge better than before.
• When you get what you need—be that love, support, or opportunity—your persistence during times of hardship can inspire and heal others. 
• You’re more resilient than you think.

The Big Picture

It’s easy to overlook the lessons nature quietly offers us. These three plants, each in their own way, showed me the beauty of nurturing what’s good, embracing vulnerability, and persevering through adversity. What sustains us is often right in front of us.

The pineapple reminded me to focus on what’s thriving instead of getting caught up in the negative–or what’s dying, already gone, and should be released. 

The avocado showed me that even when we get burned, we can learn from it and keep growing. 

And the mint is a living testament to grit—no matter how hard our surroundings may get, we can recover when we are open to change.

The next time you feel like you’re struggling to grow, stuck in a rut, or neglecting self-care, think of these little plants. Even a humble weed that no one cultivates can push its way up through a mere crack in a sidewalk and seek the light.

Former English teacher Kaci Nielson has been a trusted copywriter in the e-commerce space since 2017. Balancing motherhood and a love for storytelling, she brings a thoughtful, human touch to every project. For Kaci, it’s all about finding the right words to connect with people.