In front of my porch, my spirea plants continue to expand year after year. During the spring and summer months, I watch with delight as the leaves fill in, and the delicate white blossoms attract bees, bringing a hum of life to the front of my home. As the season progresses, though, the flowers begin to dry, and I know it’s time for the scratchy but necessary task of deadheading.
Deadheading, the process of removing spent blooms to encourage future growth, prepares the spirea for the next round of beauty. It’s not the most enjoyable task, yet it ensures the plant will thrive again next spring and summer. As I trimmed away the dried blooms, it got me thinking: What else in my life needs deadheading?
Just as plants let go of what no longer serves them, I realized that we, too, should regularly assess what’s holding us back from growth. Sometimes it’s relationships—those connections that have run their course or become more draining than fulfilling. It can be hard to let go of a relationship, whether personal or professional, but just like the spirea, we make room for healthier, more vibrant connections when we clear the old away.
The same can be said for our habits. How many of us hold on to routines that no longer serve us? Perhaps it’s the tendency to overcommit, to say yes to too many things, or the habit of self-doubt that creeps in when we least expect it. Just like the spent blooms, these habits need trimming. Letting go of outdated routines makes space for new, healthier ones to grow.
And what about the physical clutter in our homes or the old beliefs and mindsets that no longer reflect who we are or where we’re going? We all have things—whether tangible or intangible—that weigh us down. By deadheading these parts of our lives, we free up energy and space for new opportunities and experiences.
The beauty of deadheading is that it sets the stage for future growth. It might not be a glamorous job, but it’s necessary for both the plant and for us. The more we’re willing to let go of what no longer serves us, the more room we make for what’s to come—fresh blooms, new connections, and healthier habits.
Two Links Du Jour:
How to Recognize What is No Longer Serves You – A Teaspoon of Healing
How to Deadhead Spirea – Garden Guides
Two Minutes Du Jour 