Trying to Grow in the “Wrong” Environment

Tupac once said, “Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete? Proving nature’s law is wrong, it learned to walk without having feet” (All Poetry, 2024).

These words have constantly replayed in my mind as I have grown into adulthood because they represent us all somehow.

We grow in environments others may not believe will benefit our well-being.

But, shocker, it does!

Individuals like Oprah, who overcame a challenging childhood to become a media mogul; Jasmine Crockett, a successful lawyer and politician; and Taraji P. Henson, an acclaimed actress, are living proof of the power of resilience and determination. Their stories inspire us to believe in our own ability to overcome.

Despite the less-than-ideal environments they may have experienced, these women, like Oprah, Jasmine Crockett, and Taraji P. Henson, defied all odds and became the inspiring figures we know today.

Today’s post reminds us that we’re all navigating our rocky territories and shouldn’t let these environments dictate our outcomes.

Often, I find myself surrounded by the same four walls. These walls have followed me throughout life, protected me, shaped me, and molded me into the woman I am today.

But those four walls have also led to self-sabotaging, limitations, and the inability to see beyond my current circumstances.

We all have some representation of the “Four Walls” in our lives. Some may say the four walls are their bedroom, a relationship, a familial connection, a physical prison, other’s opinions, a broken system, or a mindset.

For me, the four walls were rooted in doubt and fear. And it wasn’t until I listened to Redemption Song by Bob Marley that I realized how much environments condition us and push us to keep going.

Bob Marley once said, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds” (Marley, 1980).

No one but us can break through the limitations of our environments to reach our destinies.

That statement helped me understand how a rose can grow from concrete.

Roses are dainty and fragile. They need sunlight to avoid intense competition from neighboring plants and very exposed windy sites” (David Austin, 2024). Roses cannot grow in unfavorable environments, like lousy soil.

But somehow, a rose grew from the concrete. Humans break cycles and thrive in environments that don’t seem plausible.

For example, Jasmine Crockett rose to the occasion amid racist statements to educate others on the impact of their words and, more importantly, to still show up for her district in Congress.

Or, Taraji P. Henson, who had a dream and only a few dollars to her name but is somehow one of the most prolific actresses of our generation.

Or, Oprah, who was plagued by poverty growing up but somehow is a billionaire.

Someone, please explain to me how this happens!

How does the rose still grow when the environment is wrong for nutrients?

I’ll tell you how! One doesn’t get stuck in the “Four Walls” surrounding them. Instead, they dream. They plan. They risk-take. They jump. They leap. They get knocked down. They get back up. They get scared. They feel defeated. They worry. They get back up again. They continue the cycle, but they don’t STOP!

So, homegirl, why have you?

So, homegirl, why have you stopped?

So, homegirl, why have you stopped freeing your mind from the mental handcuffs your fears, worries, and doubts lead you to continue wearing?

I know our society is scary sometimes. We don’t always know what to expect next. But, if Tupac, Bob Marley, Oprah, Taraji, Jasmine, and others can do it, why can’t (insert your name) do it too?

Share your journey in the comments. Let us know what you’re striving to overcome, even if you feel like you’re in the wrong environment. Remember, you’re not alone in this.

References:

All Poetry. (2024, July 25 ). The Rose That Grew From The Concrete. All Poetry. https://allpoetry.com/The-Rose-That-Grew-From-Concrete

Bob Marley. (1980). Redemption Song [Song]. On Uprising. Island Records; Universal Music Group.

David Austin. (2024, July 25). The Basics of Growing Roses. David Austin. https://www.davidaustinroses.com/blogs/news/the-basics-of-growing-roses#:~:text=Roses%20thrive%20on%20direct%20sunlight,for%20shaded%20areas%20click%20here.