Planting Peace

I remember growing up in a home full of plants. What looked so simple didn’t come easy. A few years ago, my mother gifted me a plant, and I made a promise to myself: If I could keep this one plant alive, I would get another. What started as a challenge slowly became my peace.

Life kept me pretty busy, so I really didn’t have a hobby. But something about plants drew me in. Its leaves unfurling, its slow yet steady growth—it was calming. I found myself looking forward to those small moments of care and observation.

Our 20 year anniversary we went to Mexico, we stayed at one of the most beautiful resorts I had ever seen. It was secluded, surrounded by lush, vibrant greenery. The smell of the ocean mingled with essential oils, while soft music played in the background, created an atmosphere that felt magical. It was so peaceful, so inviting, that I wanted to hold onto that feeling forever. It was discussed that we had to go back just to get away and recharge as soon as we were able. But then the pandemic hit and the uncertainty of the world and everything around us made that reality challenging.

The thought came to me one day: Why not create a space where you could feel that moment of peace? Bit by bit, I started to create my own retreat. I purchased more plants and candles, slowly building a space that felt like my own little retreat from the world.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that this simple act of creating a peaceful environment would become one of my greatest sources of calm.

Now, that room in my home is where I go to read, journal, and just reflect. It’s where I nurture not only my plants but also my own peace. Watching my plants grow brings me a sense of accomplishment. A new leaf feels like a celebration, a sign that I’ve helped something flourish. And in those moments, I feel like I’m flourishing, too.

Creating this space taught me that peace doesn’t have to be found somewhere far away. Sometimes, it’s something you create, one small step at a time. Studies found that caring for indoor plants reduced psychological and physiological stress. Handling soil triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and well-being, potentially reducing stress and depression. 

We all need a place of escape—somewhere we can retreat to when the world feels too loud and overwhelming. A space that allows us to recharge, reflect, and simply be. It doesn't have to be perfect or extravagant; it just has to be yours. Whether it’s a cozy corner filled with plants, a day on the lake fishing, a morning cup of coffee on the back porch, finding or creating your own place of peace can be life-changing.

Allow yourself to have that place. Because in a world full of noise, everyone deserves a space where they can just breathe and be at peace.