Article #23: Lessons from weeds
Every lawn carer hates weeds in their beautiful green lawn. They are unsightly, stubborn, and a pain in the ass. Not wanted, but keeps growing and spreading. They don’t give up, don’t die off easily, and don’t give any hoot to what is done to them – they just keep coming back. If you have tended to a lawn before you would know that this struggle is real. And yes, I am struggling – sigh.
Over the past year, I have been trying exasperatedly to grow a Bermuda grass lawn. Yes, it is a failed venture. The weeds – the mighty weeds – have taken dominance and the lawn looks mediocre and scarred instead of the lush green I had expected. I had done all I can to get rid of them but they just don’t want to disappear.
As much as I feel defeated in this battle with the weeds, I have grown to admire them. They are resilient, persistent, and always committed to survival and growth. In whatever situation and condition, they continue to thrive. They don’t know what giving up means, what challenges mean, and what adversity means. They don’t care what others (me) think about them. They just do their own thing.
I have learnt some valuable lessons from these weeds (hello Professor A. Weeds, A for Annoying).
In life, we ought to continue striving and living our life no matter what life may throw us (e.g. this pandemic). We ought to always forge ahead and plod on even if the situation is challenging and difficult. We could be growing slowly, but that’s okay, we just need to continue growing one step at a time. We ought to know to never give up, to always think about progress, and to always keep doing what we need to do. We shouldn’t have time for or give space to pessimistic thoughts and actions. There is only one way: to keep moving.
Thank you Professor A. Weeds for these valuable life lessons. I shall strive to have your spirit and determination, but not your annoying looks.
Contributed by:
K.M. Tiong