Embracing Growth: Lessons from the Soil

Change—whether we ask for it or not—is rarely easy. It’s uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and often downright intimidating. Even good change can bring feelings of uncertainty or fear. Yet, change also carries within it the promise of growth.

The best lessons about change and growth come not from textbooks or motivational speeches but from nature itself. My grandparents were farmers in Iowa, people whose lives were deeply intertwined with the land. They understood that growth, while full of promise, is a process that requires patience, hope, and resilience. Watching their crops grow season after season gave me a metaphor that continues to guide my life: growth begins with discomfort, but it leads us to a brighter place.

The Journey of Growth Begins with Discomfort

Imagine a seed nestled deep in the soil. For the seed, this soil is home—it’s all it’s ever known. Safe, secure, and steady. But something stirs. With the right conditions—water, warmth, and care—the seed begins to change. Roots stretch downward, anchoring it to the earth, while a tender shoot begins its journey upward, toward the sunlight.

This growth isn’t without effort. The seed must push through the soil, leaving behind the only world it’s ever known. It might even “wonder” what could possibly be worth abandoning the security of the soil. But then, after the hard work of breaking through, it meets the sunlight. Growth brought change, and change brings further growth.

We are not so different from seeds. For us, growth begins with discomfort. We stretch, strain, and push ourselves toward something new, often unsure if the effort is worth it. But when we find our version of the sunlight—the joy, fulfillment, or sense of purpose waiting for us—we understand that the process was necessary.

Lessons from Iowa: Growth Takes Patience and Hope

Growing up, my grandparents were living examples of what it means to embrace growth with resilience and faith. Their farm in Iowa was more than just a place to grow crops; it was a place to cultivate hope. Each spring, they planted seeds in the soil, their hearts full of optimism but their minds prepared for the uncertainties ahead. Growth was never guaranteed. The weather might cooperate, or it might bring unexpected frost or drought. Pests might stay away, or they might wreak havoc. I’ll never forget the epic battles my grandpa waged against raccoons in their personal garden—his creative use of Icy Hot is now family legend!

And yet, every year, my grandparents planted with faith, pouring their care and attention into the crops. They understood that growth wasn’t just about the outcome but about the commitment to try again, season after season.

The seasons of farming mirrored the seasons of life. My grandparents were deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature, watching for signs of rain or frost and adjusting their plans accordingly. They relied on the Farmer’s Almanac and prayed often, knowing they could control only so much. What they couldn’t control, they entrusted to hope. They taught me that you can’t force growth, but you can foster it. By paying attention, tending to needs, and remaining hopeful, they gave the seeds—and their lives—the best possible chance to thrive. They also understood something profound: the life-death-life cycle of the land mirrors our own human journeys, with each ending paving the way for new beginnings.

Now, I live in Nevada, where the high desert climate makes growing anything a challenge. But what my grandparents taught me about cultivating growth remains. Their lessons in patience, resilience, and faith have rooted themselves deeply in my life, reminding me that even in the harshest conditions, there’s always potential for something to grow.

Why Growth and Change Feel Uncomfortable

Growth isn’t just about seeds and soil—it’s about us. Change, even when we know it’s for the better, is often uncomfortable. It can be scary to leave behind the familiar, even if that familiarity isn’t serving us anymore. It’s easy to ask, “Why should I step out of my comfort zone? What’s waiting for me that’s worth the effort?”

But like the seed that pushes through the soil, we grow when we step into the unknown. Maybe it’s starting a new job, leaving a toxic relationship, or learning a new skill. Each of these moments requires us to stretch our roots into something steady while reaching for the light of possibility.

It’s important to recognize that change isn’t supposed to feel easy. The discomfort you’re feeling is part of the process and a sign that you’re growing. Growth requires a foundation of security—a sense of who we are and where we come from. This doesn’t mean clinging to the past, but rather using it as a foundation for the future. Once we feel anchored, we can begin to grow toward the possibilities ahead.

Embracing the Beauty of the Process

The seed doesn’t know the beauty it will become when it first begins to grow. It doesn’t know the vibrant flower it will produce or the shade it will offer as a tree. Similarly, we don’t always see the outcome of our growth right away. But if we trust the process, if we stay rooted and reach for the light, we’ll find ourselves blooming in ways we never imagined.

My grandparents’ faith in their crops reminds me that growth isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the journey. It’s about the patience, hope, and willingness to embrace the unknown. Growth brings change, and change brings growth. Tomorrow can be warm and beautiful, but it starts with the effort we put in today.

How HOLD Can Support You During Growth

If you’re feeling the discomfort of growth, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is share our journey with someone who will listen and help us process the discomfort. At HOLD, we offer a safe space to share your challenges, fears, and hopes as you move through your season of growth. Book a confidential listening appointment today and let us support you as you prepare to blossom.