When we moved into our house, the landscaping was beautifully manicured. Our first year was a joy as we enjoyed the outdoors, but we overlooked a critical task that has led to ongoing challenges: we failed to prune.
Pruning is the horticultural practice of selectively removing parts of a plant—such as branches, buds, or roots—to enhance its growth, shape, and health. As spring approached, our once-idyllic landscape quickly transformed from an oasis into an overwhelming jungle.
Now, as I prepare for the upcoming pruning season, I’m reminded of how this concept applies to our personal lives. Just as plants need pruning, we too must evaluate and adjust areas of our lives that no longer serve us.
In recent decades, the pressure to maximize our days has intensified. Multitasking has become essential as we strive to complete our to-do lists, often leading to feelings of overwhelm and elevated stress. The relentless pursuit of doing “more” can choke out the healthy aspects of our lives, much like weeds in an overgrown garden.
I admit that the idea of pruning has been challenging for me. I often view it as an all-or-nothing approach, which makes it difficult to make any meaningful changes. For those familiar with my schedule, you know it’s quite full, and I’ve recently embarked on a significant pruning process. I’d like to share my journey in hopes that it inspires you to engage in your own pruning.
Identifying Areas for Pruning
Start by creating three columns to categorize your commitments: “Work,” “Home,” and “Community.” Within these categories, take an inventory of your activities, commitments, and relationships. Ask yourself: Are there areas that need pruning to allow for growth? Are there “overgrown” commitments that require a deep clean?
Start Small
As I’ve engaged in this exercise, I’ve felt overwhelmed by the extensive pruning needed, which often leads to procrastination. Return to your three columns and identify one small area to prune. This could mean limiting social media usage to one hour a day or setting app time limits on your phone. Evaluate commitments you’ve said “yes” to and consider trimming back involvement. Additionally, assess relationships that may be unhealthy and are choking your ability to cultivate healthy connections with yourself and others.
Be Intentional
Approach the pruning process with care. The goal is to use pruning shears, not a chainsaw. Just like in landscaping, aggressive pruning can lead to significant challenges in relationships. Communicate with those around you about your pruning process and invite them to support you.
Finally, remember that pruning is not a one-time activity. Just as with landscaping, we must regularly evaluate and adjust our lives to create space for healthy growth. By intentionally pruning the areas that no longer serve us, we can cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life.