One of the ways I like to keep in touch with loved ones is to send them videos of my space. Earlier today, I sent my mom an introduction to my plants. I recorded a brief tour of where I keep them and told her where each came from/how they came into my life.
She shared that she can't keep plants alive, and I was reminded of post I saw about naming plants after yourself and how that can be a reflection of your self-care and needs. This doesn't appeal to my mom. Even a low-stakes plant is too high-stakes. Since she struggles with hoarding, I suggested she claim and name a space. Something small that she wipes down each day and makes sure is set up just how she wants it.
This is actually not a small, low-stakes ask either. She has my older sister's family of five living in her house while they find the just right home to buy. My mom also cares for my younger sister's two daughters. That's a lot of people running around in a house built for a nuclear family!
The idea, though, did speak to her. Something for herself that is private and her own. Something she can tend to, the commitment to which is actually to tend to herself. I love that for her.
None of my plants are named for myself or anyone else in my life. However! I have one plant that has been with me for almost 20 years. Right now, it's a young offshoot of my original plant. That is completely okay with me. I'll never stop caring for it! It's an aloe, and I do feel it's a good reflection of me. You can take any piece of it and plant it and it will create a whole new life. It is its own legacy, self-perpetuating, and it is always leaning into the sun.
I love the idea that I can care for myself. I love recreating my life--starting down new paths, and always sunny ones. It's a beautiful idea, no?