Any gardener or even houseplant enthusiast knows that eventually all plants need repotted. They become pot-bound and outgrow their current environment. Their roots starting poking out the bottom of the pot, their leaves start to wilt, lose their color and eventually fall off. They are starving for more oxygen, more room, and space to breathe and grow.



Do you know when you have become pot-bound and need to stretch your boundaries or move to a new environment for continued growth? Our lives, like a plant, can become stagnant if we stay ?rooted? in the same place. We need change from time to time, and to enlarge our space so we have room to breathe, think and grow. Do you need to do some repotting in your life? Let's examine a few areas to see if you have outgrown them and need to do some grooming of your own.

1. Personally ? maybe you have outgrown your current home, are no longer challenged in your job or are in a relationship that is not healthy or stale. You don't have to leave your marriage, or quit your job. It may just mean you need to try something new in your life. Start with one area that feels most important to you and take a step towards changing it.

Have you always wanted to visit Italy? Learn to speak Italian. If you've always dreamed of being a photographer for a magazine, take a photography course. Maybe you regret never having gone to college. This may be the time to start. Whether it's learning to dance, taking singing lessons, a painting class, or starting a new business; the point is to ask yourself if you are you ready to pull up some roots, move to a bigger environment, expand your surroundings and grow a little.

2. Physically ? do you need to lose weight, gain more energy, treat some health problems or just feel in need of an overall makeover? What are you waiting for? What are the consequences of doing nothing? You lose confidence, continue to have health challenges, feel tired and self-conscious.

What if you make a change? You could have that body you've always wanted. You'll feel better, look better, have more energy and maybe even have the confidence to go after that guy you never felt worthy of. Would it be worth stretching and getting out of your comfort zone to achieve this?

3. Spiritually ? have you lost faith in life, the world and its injustices? Do you feel a need to make a connection with a higher power? Would you like to feel a sense of peace and comfort? First, define what spirituality means to you. Everyone's definition is different. You may not have a particular affiliation or feel comfortable in church. That's ok. You can feel spiritual in other ways and places. Maybe you get comfort by reading the Bible; or you pray or feel at peace being in nature, listening to a wonderful piece of music or looking at beautiful art. This is all God's work. Whatever it is that gives you a sense of peace and comfort is what is right for you.

As a plant needs to get adjusted to it's new pot, so you too, must take time to adjust to the changes you've made in your life. Shake loose the old soil from your roots. Let the rain wash over you and cleanse the remains of your pot-bound life. Step into the sunshine, feel it's warmth, and begin again to grow.