15 | May | 2012 | Nurture Self 365

“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” Napoleon Hill

I planted Evergreen Clematis along the front fence two years ago (Spring 2010). Last Spring, there was no life . . . it seems all but one of the vines died in the very cold winter we had. I never got around to removing the old “dead” plants. Imagine my surprise this Spring as I’m doing my spring yard cleanup when I discover all five of the supposedly dead vines are sprouting new growth! What a great example of never giving up! Just when all hope was gone and I was ready to start fresh with new plants . . . those tough little guys showed me that they are not done yet! I can’t wait to see them flourish and produce their beautiful white flowers . . . I will certainly post pictures when they do.

Never give up! Maybe we need a break now and then, a rest to regain our energy and motivation . . . and then come back stronger and better than ever!