Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Meditation

I often wonder how people who do not have gardens are able to meditate and work things out when life confuses them. During the periods in my life when I didn't have a garden, I found I had to find a nature retreat to walk in when things bothered me - but there is nothing like getting your hands dirty and getting involved in a garden to really be able to get a handle on life.

I had an employee quit yesterday - no big - happens all the time. But, what was confusing about this is that this gal had such great potential and had she stayed awhile longer, this job would have looked great on her resume. Another employee gave his notice last week and she became concerned when she learned we would all have to take turns covering his evening shift until the position was filled. She is young and this was her first salaried position - but that is why you are put on salary and not hourly - it means you will be expected to work more than 40 hours a week on at least a semi-regular basis.

And it isn't just that I couldn't make her understand that - it was the way in which she quit. She couldn't come in and face us - she had to sneak in during the middle of the night - clean out her stuff, leave her keys and a letter. And in her letter - no thanks for getting her out of the phone room and involved in project management which is what she wanted to do - nothing positive at all - just blaming everyone else and the company. I really like this gal. I feel used.

So last night when I came home, I headed straight for the garden. Dan and Andy gave me space - they know I just need time alone in the garden and then I will be fine.

So we are down two people. Life goes on. She wouldn't have stayed long term anyway. So I will have to cover more evening shifts than normal and I will be in the garden less - the positions will get filled and I will appreciate the garden all the more when I do have time for it.

How would I have come to this peace without my garden?

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I often wonder the same thing... I think sometimes that working in the garden is the only thing that kept me sane during the end of my marriage and move into my new house.

Hope you get through this transition time as well as possible--and with at least a little garden time...

David (Snappy) said...

Sounds like you need to garden more, rather than less.Do you own the business?I grew houseplants before i had a garden.I guess a walk in a park would relax me if i was gardenless...

Kathi said...

Thanks for the well wishes everyone. This too shall pass. No, Snappy, it is not my business - but I am upper management. We actually have two very promising interviews scheduled for tomorrow!