Before I discuss some of the wonderful things that flowers can teach us, I thought I should introduce myself…I wouldn’t want people to think Paulette is speaking about herself in the third person 😉

My name is Krista and I am currently a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh. I study marketing which is what lead me to be Paulette’s Marketing Intern. Although I’m not completely sure what my plans are after college, it seems that graduate school may be the favorable option…or maybe I’ll start my own business, just like Paulette. On top of school, I am also a member of the University’s D1 diving team and a member of Chi Omega. I don’t believe that I am a very difficult person to please, as I find happiness in most things and laugh at almost any joke. The world is a wonderful place that I have the pleasure of living in and I hope to experience so many beautiful places with all the people I love. I don’t know what life has in store for me, but I am ready for it. Here are some photos of me and all of the people I love.

Now that you know me, I thought it would be inspiring to start a small series that featured all the great lessons to be learned from flowers. I’d like to begin with one of my favorites which is best depicted by the quote:

“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it, it just blooms.”

The act of comparing ourselves to others is a difficult thing to overcome, especially with all of the pressure to strive for perfection that comes from the media. On a daily basis, whether we’re scrolling through social media or reading the latest magazines, all we see is the image of the ideal or “perfect” lifestyle on display. Whether it be a beautiful face, a skinny body, or all the money in the world, seeing others have what we desire isn’t always an easy pill to swallow. So how can we get through it? We can start by taking a lesson from our lovely friends from the ground (or pot). Think back to the last time you bought a bouquet or planted some seeds…how often did you think about how the flowers weren’t completely perfect or how the different colors or types might clash? My guess…not often. In fact, I bet you were so mesmerized by there beauty, you didn’t even notice that one was a little rounder than the other. So why is it any different when looking at yourself. Yes, there may be others who seem to have it all together, but that doesn’t mean that you are not capable of blooming in your own incredible way.

I haven’t been alive for too long, but growing up with social media in the palm of my hands, I have noticed one thing about people and is that we all feel or have felt the same way. The people we compare ourselves to, most likely compared (or still compare) themselves to the ones they wish to be like. Although it seems to be a never-ending cycle of self-hate and the need for perfection, I am confident that this thought process can be broken. The next time you’re scrolling through Instagram or walking in the streets and you see a person you think is better than you, challenge yourself to point out all the things that you appreciate about yourself. It’s good to be inspired by others, but it isn’t okay to forget about what has kept you going for so long. It’s good to grow and to want more, but it isn’t okay to disregard all the magical things that are already within you. Every one of us is different and we each bloom at our own speeds. It is not about how quickly you become the flower, but how beautifully you embrace each of your petals.