Our ‘why’ at Nowadays

Happy New Year, friends! I hope 2023 is off to a good start for you.

I’m not one for sweeping resolutions, but I do like to reflect on the past year and look ahead at what’s to come. Taking the time to set some intentions for how I want to feel, and dream into what’s possible. My top Clifton Strengths are futuristic, strategic and ideation, so this time of year is my Super Bowl.

But on New Year’s Day last year, things felt off. I was going through a rough patch, and felt pretty lost. My mental health was wobbly, and I knew things had to change, but I wasn’t sure what to do. My usual enthusiasm for visualizing a new year was missing.

So I started going to therapy every other week, and planting flowers.

What began as a creative outlet, a way to get off my computer and connect with nature, turned into so much more. I wasn’t expecting to create a cut flower farm at the start of the year, it felt like a far-off plan. But in hindsight - cheesy as it sounds - I think maybe my soul knew all along. And once I started letting it guide the way, things fell into place.

It’s not an overstatement to say that flowers changed my life. I felt connected and grounded every time I sowed seeds or planted something new. I felt more at peace and noticed less anxiety after an afternoon of wandering around the rows, noticing new buds and appreciating all the beauty. And I felt more creative and a sense of contentment as I cut blooming flowers and delivered them to happy recipients.

There is a metaphor somewhere here, about growing and blooming, trusting and being patient. Magic can happen when you least expect it, if you let it.

And as I think about our ‘why’ here at Nowadays, it comes down to this magic, and making the world a better, more beautiful place. Flowers can spread light into dark crevices, and remind people that we love them. They help us tune into the present moment, infuse meaning, and appreciate simple joys throughout an otherwise mundane day. They can foster a connection with ourselves, and deepen our connection with nature.

Looking back at the past year, going after this dream and letting a space we held in our minds for ‘someday down the line’ unfold, gave me a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Flowers have been healing for me, they’ve made life better and more beautiful. And I know they can do the same for others.

Soon I’ll share a bit about plans we have in store for the year ahead, and how we’d love to spread the joy of local flowers with the community. My head is perpetually spinning with ideas, and I’m excited to see where the journey takes us in 2023.

Thanks for being here! I’m so grateful for you. Happy New Year, from our little family to yours.

-Bridget