by Wonsuh Song
For those of us leading busy, chaotic lives, tending to plants often feels like a luxury. The thought of watering them daily, checking their condition, and investing time and care can feel overwhelming. I’ve found myself neglecting my own plants more often than not. But recently, a small change brought me back to them. A new, large watering can—efficient and fun to use—made watering an enjoyable routine. I moved my pots to a more visible spot and started paying more attention. That’s when I witnessed an unexpected miracle.
Over the years, I had planted seeds in my pots—tomato seeds, watermelon seeds, even sprouting potatoes. Yet nothing ever thrived for long; everything withered away eventually. But this time, one plant grew strong and fast, far beyond my expectations. At first, I thought it might be a tomato plant. As the weather grew colder, I was amazed that it continued to thrive. Then one day, it bloomed. To my surprise, it wasn’t a tomato but a dandelion. A stray dandelion seed had found its way into the pot, sprouted, and now displayed its vibrant yellow flowers.
On my balcony, I also keep a phalaenopsis orchid. The orchid is beautiful and elegant but fragile. It requires meticulous care to bloom, and once its flowers wither, its charm fades, leaving behind an unimpressive stem. In stark contrast, the dandelion grew vigorously and flourished without any special care, transforming my small pot into a testament to its tenacity.
The resilience of the dandelion taught me something profound about life. In a world where we often hear about young people struggling to stand on their own, the dandelion serves as a symbol of self-reliance. It grows wherever it lands, overcoming obstacles without relying on special conditions. Watching it thrive, I was reminded of the importance of resilience and adaptability in our own lives.
The dandelion and the orchid reflect two very different approaches to life. The orchid, with its fleeting beauty, demands attention and resources to thrive, only to fade quickly. The dandelion, on the other hand, thrives effortlessly, relying on its innate strength and adaptability.
This tiny flower reminded me of the value of resilience—not just surviving but flourishing despite the odds. In life, we face challenges that require us to adapt, persevere, and grow. Like the dandelion, we too must cultivate the strength to bloom wherever we are, regardless of the circumstances.
Reflecting on the dandelion, I realized that life’s true goal might not be to chase perfection but to nurture the resilience that allows us to thrive. To find within ourselves the same unyielding determination of a dandelion is to unlock our potential to grow and flourish in any environment.
Today, as I look at the bright yellow blooms of the dandelion in my little pot, I am reminded of this powerful lesson. Life is about striking a balance—learning from the dandelion’s resilience while appreciating the fleeting beauty of the orchid. Both have something to teach us, but it is the humble dandelion that inspires me to bloom against all odds.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Shumei / Waseda University lecturer
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