I visited the SF Flower Mart with a couple of friends this past weekend.

It’s a beautiful place to walk through and admire the variety of greenery. The assortment of eucalyptus, the cloud-like white blooms of baby’s breath, the soft blush of peonies.

Walking through the flower mart, I thought of how each plant has different needs. Some need more water, others need more sun. Some need more space to grow, others do well grouped together.

It reminded me how people have different needs. Some need to hear more words of affirmation, while others need a quiet hug that fits right. Some people thrive in group settings, while others prefer solitude.

It’s midway through the year and I’m re-assessing my needs. To reflect on the last six months, I listed activities and people that didn’t add to my happiness and growth, and listed activities and people that contributed to my happiness and growth.

I noticed how many of my negative experiences came from certain parties with certain people that I felt obligated to go to in order to be relevant. And a lot of my positive experiences involved smaller gatherings or one on ones and laying out picnic blankets at the park or beach.

Just as a plant needs to be repotted with a fresh mix of soil for growth, I don’t have to sit in the same dirt. I can make adjustments to my life and create boundaries where necessary. It’s a way to begin again.

Self assessment is important. It’s essential to recognize we all have different needs. It might seem like all plants prefer the sun, but some grow best in low-light.

Give yourself permission to create the space you need for you to flourish.