The Window Box That Taught Me to Wait

Last spring, I moved into a small flat with only one sunny window.

Instead of buying flowers already in bloom, I chose a few packets of seeds, because I wanted to watch the whole process myself.

The first week was exciting, and I checked the soil every morning before work.

Then nothing happened for almost two weeks, and I started to think I had done something wrong.

My neighbour, who has grown vegetables for thirty years, told me to be patient and to water less.

Following her advice, I stopped checking daily and let the rain do its job.

One evening, I noticed tiny green points pushing through the dark soil, and I felt surprisingly happy.

Now I spend ten minutes each day removing dry leaves and talking to my plants.

Gardening has taught me that slow progress is still progress, and that waiting can be a quiet kind of pleasure.