SM

I was gifted a tomato plant by a kind stranger, and I was really excited. I’d always dreamed of growing my own tomatoes.

It didn’t come with instructions, so I reached out to one person for a little guidance.

“Prune the leaves.” “Pinch out the side shoots.” “Feed it well.” So I did what I understood I needed to do.

But I was impatient. I wanted to see those tiny green tomatoes ripen. I checked on the plant every day. It was growing really fast. I pruned a little more, fed it a little more, convinced that if I just tried harder, I could help big, juicy tomatoes appear more quickly.

Instead, it seems the tomatoes have stopped growing. Bugger. I’d already tasted those juicy tomatoes in my mind! I tried too hard, wanted to rush nature, and got it wrong.

It took some time, but one thing I have learned from being permanently CNBC is to be kinder to myself. Little by little, I started to change my thinking. This was only my first attempt. I had no experience and very little support.

When it comes to tomatoes, it’s no big deal. I have a lot of options, all of which I can choose in my own time. I am allowed to feel disappointed about the lost tomatoes. I can choose to take a break. I can choose to see the new growth on the plant. I can seek more community and support, I can try a new project, or I can wander to the local market and buy the most delicious-tasting tomatoes there.

Finding our Plan B—or whatever lettered version we find ourselves on—is so much harder.

I see you, and I am standing right there with you.