“Bloom Where You Are Planted” can mean various things.
To be fruitful, blossom, become all you were created to be.
Make the best of what you have - even when life throws lemons at you.
Do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Each has their place and time.
1. Be Fruitful
Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), when he was the Bishop of Geneva is recorded as saying this:
“Truly charity has no limit; for the love of God has been poured into our hearts by His Spirit dwelling in each one of us, calling us to a life of devotion and inviting us to bloom in the garden where He has planted and directing us to radiate the beauty and spread the fragrance of His Providence.” (emphasis mine)
As you can see, it’s not a direct quote of the idiom but carries its meaning. I believe the words of St. Francis de Sales were inspired by words in the Bible. In the book of Genesis. After God created Adam and Eve, He blessed them and told them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” Gen. 1:28
Scripture and other writings such as these encourage us to be all God has made us to be. I think it's exciting to continually look within and get a sense of "what's next?! What is it that is calling out to me at this point of my life? What more do I want to do? See? Experience?"
2. Make the Best of Life
Using the phrase in this way encourages resilience. Sometimes life is hard. Geez, I think we would all agree that the last two years have certainly shown us this! Things don’t always go according to plan. Even in less than wonderful situations, we have control over how we respond. Blooming where we are planted is to make the choice to respond in a positive manner. It’s in agreement with another familiar phrase about making lemonade when life throws you lemons.
3. Do What’s Right
Doing what’s right when it’s hard is — hard! Speaking up for something when you see a wrong being committed. Moving a thousand miles away even when you are unsure if it's the best decision. Leaving a job or relationship.
Blooming where you are planted doesn’t mean you can’t improve yourself.
There are times to bloom where we are planted, and times for us to be transplanted so we can bloom even better elsewhere.
Follow your heart and your intuition. It is the spirit within speaking to you.
Love you!
Lisa