What We Can Learn From Sunflowers

I want to be like a sunflower, so that in the darkest days I still stand tall and find the sunlight.

1) START SMALL. Did you know some sunflowers can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet? All of these massive, impressive flowers began with many tiny seeds. In life, plant seeds of hope, success and love. They will all come back to you in abundance.

2) FACE THE SUN. The best way to grow is with light and love. Turn your back to the shadows. Remind yourself that facing the sun, or the light, is a good way to ensure that you are taking actions that are aligned with your higher purpose.

3) GROW BIG. A sunflower grows from the stalk — her neck. One side of the stalk grows and the sunflower bends towards the sun, and then as the sun moves across the sky, the other side of

the stalk grows. The only way a sunflower gets big is by literally sticking her neck out again and again and again. Allow yourself to stick out your neck out and grow big. Sometimes we shrink because growth feels new and uncomfortable, because it feels risky. Sunflowers know how to grow big without apologizing. Let's be like sunflowers.

4) LET YOURSELF BE BEAUTIFUL. I am sure sunflowers don't complain about a bent stem, petals too long, or a center too fat. Let yourself shine! Smile more often, laugh more easily, and let yourself learn how to shrug your shoulders and say, “So what,” when something bad happens. Don't be afraid to stand out when your weren't meant to fit in. It also means treating yourself with more respect and making time to work on achieving your dreams.

The world needs more sunflowers. I hope you will let sunflowers brighten your day.