Where are you not thriving?
Do you know in your bones that you’re not thriving?
Earlier this summer, I shared how my flowers were settling into their new homes in my patio container garden. The petunias flourished immediately, while the geraniums were a bit shy, taking their time to sprout new blooms. Read that full post here.
Now that we’re in the hottest and driest part of the summer, the garden is looking a little different. The geraniums have really settled in, and are full of vibrant blooms and new blossoms. Our dry winter has helped keep the beetles away (unlike last year), and so the dark green leaves are healthy and full.
The marigolds continue to stand strong in the geranium pots, adding a pop of bright yellow.
The petunias, however, are a different story. Once densely covered with beautiful dark purple blooms, they’re now looking stringy and droopy, with fewer and fewer flowers. Even the marigolds, who are thriving in the geranium pots, are struggling next to the petunias.
After doing a bit of research, I learned of two things that may help.
First, I learned that petunias quickly pull out all the nutrients in the soil, especially when they’re in containers. The soil that once supported their ability to thrive no longer has what they need to be successful.
Second, I learned that they become over-extended and leggy. As the branches get longer and longer, the water and nutrients have to move further along the plant to create new blooms, often causing the leaves to whither and brown.
Thankfully, there are things I can do. I can add nutrients back to the soil by adding plant food. And I can prune back the growth so that they focus on creating new blooms and branches closer to the soil.
All of this has me thinking…
When we’re not thriving in our environment, how can we come to understand the cause of our challenges and the ways we can make changes to address those challenges.
Sometimes, it’s creating a healthier soil, one that allows us to get the support we need to do our work. It may be in adjusting our working environment, building stronger relationships with those we work most closely with, or asking for specific support from our leadership.
Other times, it’s pulling back, saying no to things that over-extend our capability, allowing us to focus on what’s most important instead of what’s on the periphery.
I’m curious, what’s getting in the way of your ability to thrive?
What do you want to create for yourself?
Send me a reply, I’d love to know what you’re creating.
July 16, 2026
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
Book your free strategy session.
