Life as Einzelgänger

🌱 8 Months In. Still Learning

Eight months ago, I received these semi-sprouted seeds. I was excited. It wasn’t my first time getting viable cinnamon seeds — but the last time, I failed. I had to wait another year to try again. Every day I peeked in, hoping to catch a glimpse of green. Eventually, a few fragile stems emerged — hesitant, exploring their new surroundings, so far from their native home.

Two months later, I had a little cluster of four green seedlings, stretching curiously toward the window, adjusting to their new life.

Now, eight months in, they’ve become five. Still small. Some leaves have browned. A few didn’t make it. But they’re still here. And so am I — learning, adjusting, watching closely.

Cinnamon isn’t easy to grow. It doesn’t reward quick efforts. It asks for patience, humidity, and forgiveness. I’ve made mistakes — too much water, too little, too much sun, forgotten feedings. But they hold on. They simply slow down, quietly waiting for me to try again.

My reflection on William James’s self-esteem equation.

It’s such a simple yet profound reminder that our self-worth isn’t just about what we achieve, but how realistic our expectations are. Maybe the key isn’t to lower our ambitions, but to align them with what truly matters to us—what we can honestly work toward without chasing unattainable ideals.