A school conducted an interesting experiment with two plants. Students were asked to bully one plant with insults, and show love, giving compliments to the other. After 30 days, the loved plant was thriving, and the bullied plant wilted. Even though plants do not speak and do not understand language, the impact of emotions is clearly shown.

If this were the impact on plants, we can well imagine the impact of our words on people. We may not realise it, but constant criticism and being judgmental about someone can put them in a shell, and we often wonder why they are not giving their best in spite of us pushing them to. When we operate from love, people flourish.

Often we try to develop people, helping them, sometimes not the way they need it, but by being tough. Nothing wrong with instilling discipline and guiding people, but when we instill fear, we may get results, but not the best from someone. When we operate from love, people develop.

Relationships don’t automatically sustain. Like plants, they need regular watering and nurturing. When we stop giving attention, ignore signs, stop sending positive signals, and take relationships for granted, people drift. When we operate from love, relationships strengthen and blossom.

When we reflect on the power of our love, we will realise that nothing else matters. We can disagree, differ, or choose a different way. But even in our differences, let people see and sense our love. Our relationships can either bloom or wither away; the answer only lies in the love we show.

(Pic – Sunflowers sent by a friend)