Last year I shared on three different occasions about the plant pictured here.  I cut it totally back, not even sure if it would show any signs of life.  As you can see in the May 4^th photo, it did begin budding.  After four weeks, on June 1^st, it had grown significantly.  The pruning really made a difference!  The July 27^th photo shows not only much bigger foliage, but also how it is branching out into new directions.

What do we see a year later?  I noticed two important differences.  First, the growth that occurred over the past year.  And secondly, the new life that is once again budding from the stalk.

I made the decision to cut this plant back last Spring because it was ugly.  Little bits of life held onto otherwise dead stems.  It was growing in odd directions.  Rather than throw it away, I thought I would give it a chance at a fresh start.

The plant looked kind of sad after the pruning, but at least it was cleaned up.  It was exciting when the new budding began and the growth continued.  And now, after a year, the beauty is even greater and there is even more new growth.

This plant is such a fitting example of our life.  If we just continue doing the same things day after day, life can get all out of sorts and eventually even ugly.  That is why taking the time periodically for self-examination and personal pruning is so important.  Make positive changes regularly.  Stop doing the things that are not producing the results you desire.  Begin taking different actions.  Set aside time for personal growth by reading, listening to podcasts, attending conferences.  That is when we will have the beautiful life we desire.

Start the pruning and you will soon be living . . . your life to the fullest.