Q. What is the function of a flower?

A. The purpose of a flower is to attract pollinators to a plant to aid in fertilization so that the plant creates seeds. Bright colors, strong scents and sweet nectar all work together to attract birds, bees and other insects to move pollen from one flower to another. After pollination occurs, the flower develops seeds.

~ via Ask.com:

I’m reading journalist Gail Sheehy’s memoir right now, Daring: My Passages: A Memoir. I’ve only read up to 1981, when she is 44, but so far she has been a founding writer of New York magazine, interviewed all kinds of people from Anwar Sadat to Robert F. Kennedy, been caught in the crossfire during Bloody Sunday, and written a bestselling book all while raising a daughter as a single mom. Although the title states that the story is about her passage, as with most memoirs, it’s clear that there were many people who influenced her, inspired her, and supported her along the way.

Sometimes when we’re pursuing our big visions for our work in the world, we forget that we don’t need to do everything on our own, nor should we. Like flowers, we benefit from “pollination.” Other people’s ideas, resources and support help us become who we are meant to be. Likewise, we can also be pollinators for other people’s big visions.

With the first day of spring around the corner (March 20), it’s a good time to set your intentions for the new season and ask yourself:

• What kind of “pollinators” do I need to help me with my big vision for my work in the world at this time?
• How can I attract them (e.g. take a class, hire a coach, ask someone to be my mentor, get a Big Vision Buddy, explore a business or creative partnership, join a community of practice, ask a friend for help)?
• How can I be a pollinator for someone else’s big vision?

All photos by me.