Nurturing seeds into impactful trees.

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree [today].” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What seeds have you been sowing the past week, or even throughout the year of 2024? And which if these seeds did you water and nurture so they can grow into beautiful plants?

As Xpand we believe in the dignity and destiny of all the individuals and organisations we serve. That is why we believe that every conversation we have and every product we sell are all seeds that could potentially grow into having a greater impact. We are hoping that some of these seeds could grow into trees who again in their own right offer shade to others and make a positive contribution to society.

I have recently been inspired by two ladies from different organisations who are constantly sowing seeds that brings hope to others. It so happens that both these stories entail dancing and how these two dance teachers, who have different stories, are each on a daily basis impacting lives. The one lady started an NPO where she takes children from rural areas in South Africa and teach them to dance. By acquiring this skill the kids get the opportunity to apply for scholarships and attend excellent schools, thereby setting them up for a bright future due to a good education.

The other lady started a business where she offers dance classes at affordable prices but the key is that she takes these dance lessons to disadvantaged schools where children don’t have access to any extramural activities. Instead of expecting the kids to come to her (which is impossible due to limited transport options) she is taking dance to them. Both stories started with a thought, an idea, a dream, a seed…and both were nurtured to grow into inspiring organisations that are empowering others.

Dr Caroline Leaf says that our thoughts are like seeds. You can plant flowers or you can plant weeds.

My question to you today:

What seeds are you planting, whether as thoughts in your head or as conversations? And which of those seeds are you nurturing?

They might just one grow into inspiring stories where you can empower, encourage and impact others to also sow beautiful seeds. May the last 2 months of 2024 offer you multiple opportunities to sow seeds and may you also start seeing growth on seeds that you have sown and nurtured for a while. More than that, may you choose to focus on seeds of positivity in your words and thoughts so that others are also inspired to keep on dreaming!

Blog written by Chantal Ferreira.