growing where God planted me

nearly five years ago, a major event occurred in my life, those who are close to me know what event i'm referring to, after which i threw myself into my career. i joined professional associations. i took continuing education courses, viewed webinars and networked like crazy. i was busy. and i was crazy. and then i realized - what i do for work is not who i am.

Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

the company i currently work for falls under the horticulture industry. in addition to selling gardening products, we educate the public on gardening efforts. one tip we share in texas this time of year is that it's best to plant trees in the fall and winter season so the roots have a chance to take hold during a period of dormancy when the ground is not as warm (although 2012 is shaping up to be an anomaly with respect to the "winter" temperatures).

five years ago, i was growing like rapid fire. i was warm, heck, i was hot. my goal was to be the go-to pr girl in dfw. and  then i just decided to stop. i wasn't happy. i was busily filling my days with things that didn't result in internal joy. i refocused on what was really important - developing meaningful relationships with other people and God. so, i slowed down. i went dormant. i cooled off. this was essential so my roots could take hold and i could grow in Christ. this is still a work in progress for me.

it's not that i don't find value in professional associations, education, networking and the like. it's just not as important for me anymore. i don't have to be melyssa aka the go-to pr girl. i am just fine being melyssa, the daughter; melyssa, the sister; melyssa, the aunt; and melyssa, the friend.

to be honest, i like her a lot better than melyssa, the pr professional.