When Life Throws Curveballs: Navigating Setbacks, Self-Care, and the Healing Power of Plants
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Life has a way of reminding us that we're not always in control of our timeline. Just when we think we have our path mapped out, unexpected detours appear—and sometimes, those detours can feel like roadblocks.
The Reality of Disrupted Dreams
Recently, I received news that hit harder than I expected: the University of Tennessee's horticultural therapy program has been cancelled until further notice. After months of anticipation and planning, this program represented more than just professional development—it was a cornerstone of my vision to formalize the therapeutic work I'm already passionate about through The Plant House 208.
The disappointment was real. I'd already begun mentally preparing for the intensive coursework, the hands-on labs, and the certification that would validate what I've witnessed firsthand: the profound healing power of working with plants. But as I've learned through my work in mental health and substance abuse treatment, resilience isn't about avoiding setbacks—it's about how we respond to them.
The Juggling Act of Growth
While processing this news, I'm simultaneously navigating my advanced practicum in grad school, continuing my work with clients, and maintaining The Plant House 208. Some days, it feels like I'm spinning plates while walking a tightrope. Sound familiar?
Research consistently shows that pursuing multiple demanding goals simultaneously can lead to what psychologists call "goal conflict" and increased stress levels (Austin & Vancouver, 1996). Yet, the same research also indicates that having multiple meaningful pursuits can provide resilience when one area faces challenges—exactly what I'm experiencing now.
The Science of Self-Care and Boundaries
During times like these, self-care isn't just a buzzword—it's a necessity. I've had to get real about my boundaries and what sustainable progress actually looks like. According to Neff and Germer's research on self-compassion (2013), treating ourselves with the same kindness we'd offer a good friend during difficult times actually enhances our ability to cope with setbacks and maintain motivation.
This means:
- Acknowledging disappointment without judgment
- Adjusting timelines without abandoning goals
- Celebrating small wins while working toward bigger ones
- Recognizing that "trucking along" is sometimes the bravest thing we can do
Plants as Silent Teachers
While formal horticultural therapy certification may be on hold, the plants themselves continue to be my teachers and co-therapists. There's substantial evidence supporting what many of us intuitively know about the therapeutic benefits of plants:
Stress Reduction: A study by Lee et al. (2015) found that active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress, with participants showing decreased cortisol levels and improved mood after just 15 minutes of plant care.
Mental Health Benefits: Research published in the Journal of Health Psychology demonstrated that indoor gardening activities significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving attention capacity (Soga et al., 2017).
Resilience Modeling: Perhaps most relevant to my current situation, plants themselves are masters of adaptation. When a houseplant faces challenging conditions—insufficient light, irregular watering, environmental stress—it doesn't give up. It adapts, sometimes growing in unexpected directions, finding new ways to thrive.
The Therapeutic Power of "Good Enough"
In my mental health work, I often see clients struggling with perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking. The cancelled program could have derailed my entire vision, but instead, it's teaching me about flexibility and finding alternative paths.
Research by Swann et al. (2007) shows that people who can adapt their goals in response to obstacles while maintaining their core values actually experience better psychological well-being than those who rigidly pursue original plans despite changed circumstances.
Moving Forward: Redefining Success
So where does this leave me—and perhaps you, if you're facing your own unexpected detours?
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The mission continues: While formal certification is delayed, the plant donations and informal horticultural therapy work through The Plant House 208 continues. Sometimes impact doesn't wait for credentials.
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Alternative learning: I'm exploring other ways to deepen my knowledge—workshops, online courses, mentorship opportunities, and continued hands-on experience.
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Present-moment focus: Instead of fixating on the delayed timeline, I'm channeling energy into excelling in my current practicum and serving my existing clients and plant community.
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Trust the process: Just like the plants I work with, growth often happens in ways we don't expect, on timelines we didn't plan.
A Living Reminder
Every plant in my collection serves as a reminder that growth isn't always linear. The snake plant that survived months of neglect, the pothos that found light in an unexpected corner, the succulent that grew stronger after being repotted—they all teach the same lesson: resilience is about adaptation, not perfection.
As I continue "trucking along" through grad school, maintaining boundaries, and nurturing both plants and people, I'm learning that sometimes the most profound growth happens not when everything goes according to plan, but when we learn to bloom where we're planted—even when the soil conditions aren't what we expected.
For Fellow Travelers
If you're reading this while facing your own disrupted plans, know that you're not alone. Whether it's a cancelled program, a delayed dream, or simply the overwhelming juggle of daily responsibilities, your feelings are valid, and your continued effort matters.
Take care of yourself with the same tenderness you'd show a struggling plant. Provide yourself with adequate light (rest), proper nutrients (nourishment), and room to grow (grace). Sometimes the most beautiful growth happens after the most challenging seasons.
The University of Tennessee program may be on hold, but the healing power of plants—and our capacity to share that healing with others—continues to flourish. And sometimes, that's exactly enough.
References:
Austin, J. T., & Vancouver, J. B. (1996). Goal constructs in psychology: Structure, process, and content. Psychological Bulletin, 120(3), 338-375.
Lee, M. S., Lee, J., Park, B. J., & Miyazaki, Y. (2015). Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 34(1), 21.
Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self‐compassion program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(1), 28-44.
Soga, M., Gaston, K. J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine, 103, 92-99.
Swann, W. B., Chang-Schneider, C., & Larsen McClarty, K. (2007). Do people's self-views matter? Self-concept and self-esteem in everyday life. American Psychologist, 62(2), 84-94.