Taryn Talks

Stepping outside to bring order to the chaos in my backyard has become a safe sanctuary where I can process and disperse emotions that arise while experiencing the mess of being human. There has certainly been a few left turns professionally, personally, and politically. It's called life and all part of our unique human-mess. Check out the newsletter below for some Lessons from the Garden of Life.

For me, my biggest lesson has been to have faith. Trust that what I've planted, nurtured, and raised will flourish. I've been a bit quiet the last few months as I pulled out the weeds choking my energy and nourishing the flowers that I wanted to thrive. Now is the time to sit and enjoy the results of committed action.

I am excited for what is ahead and look forward to sharing what will be unfolding in the coming months.

But first, I'll be heading to Europe with my daughter for two weeks of rejuvenation time. We get to celebrate her decision to attend the University of Washington in the fall. Follow our adventures on social media as I share a daily bit about how I fill my cup to rejuvenate my spirit.

You can find me on Facebook or Instagram here!

Featured Blog - Leadership & Life Lessons from the Garden

Consider the dandelion. Reviled by many as an insistent, bothersome weed, it nevertheless continues to proudly display its pert, bright yellow self in lawns and gardens everywhere, thriving in the face of adversity.

Thriving in the face of adversity.

Where, in our own lives, do we face adversity? How do we carry ourselves through it: head down, beating ourselves up or feeling defensive and resentful? Or head up and face open, like the dandelion, sure of our intrinsic worthiness, knowing our gifts to the world, even if the world doesn’t necessarily recognize them?

For those who know how to look and wait, the garden teems with other such life lessons. As summer unfolds this year, turn your awareness to the wise teachings of your garden. If you don’t have a conventional garden, a container garden on your porch or potted plants in your home still offer valuable lessons.

Here are a few:

It’s OK to be imperfect. Trying to grow the perfect rose, or the perfect cabbage is an exhausting, never-ending quest for flawlessness. “Imperfect” roses are still beautiful and “imperfect” cabbages still burst with flavor, just like we humans. With our myriad imperfections, we still contribute our own beauty and zest to the world.

Pruning improves growth. Removing old habits that don’t serve us opens new possibilities for growth in areas that do serve us.

Pay more attention to your health than your appearance. As author William Longgood wrote, “Over fertilized plants may be beautiful but are otherwise useless, like people whose energies are devoted so completely to their appearance that there is no other development.”

Regular maintenance is important. Isn’t it soooo much harder to clear an overgrown jungle of a garden than to regularly pull encroaching weeds? Think of the clutter that can accumulate in our houses, the extra pounds that are harder to lose than to keep off in the first place, and the overwhelm or illness that can result from too little self-care.

Have faith. Plant a seed, water it, and trust that it will grow. Similarly, believe that the shifts you make in your life, the dreams you hold dear, will fully blossom if you nourish and protect them.