Planting Marigolds: Cultivating Positivity and Resilience in Life

Marigolds Down Memory Hall

🌼 That “Marigold Moment” in My Teaching Journey

Back when I was just starting out in my teaching career, I went to one of those deeply reflective workshops (you know the kind—journals, small group sharing, quiet music). I’ll never forget the facilitator sharing Jennifer Gonzalez’s “Find Your Marigold” metaphor: how marigolds planted near veggies in a garden help protect and nourish them. It struck me then—those marigolds are like people: supportive, kind, and grounding.

😊 Finding My People

That day changed the way I looked at my colleagues. I realized there were certain folks—teachers, aides, even the custodians—who always made me feel seen and capable. I started leaning into those relationships, spending time with them, sharing my frustrations, celebrating small wins. It felt less like professional “networking” and more like finding my people.

🤔 Turning the Mirror

I also began to ask myself: Am I someone’s marigold? Could I be that steady presence—a supportive note in their mailbox, a genuine compliment in passing, an open door when things got tough? I made a simple choice each day to be kind, patient, or encouraging—even on the busiest or hardest days.

🌱 Small Acts, Big Ripples

What surprised me most was how small gestures had ripple effects—an “Are you okay?” text led to a much-needed vent session. A quick “you’ve got this” after a tough meeting made someone’s whole afternoon brighter. Like marigolds enriching the soil around them, these tiny acts helped build trust, energy, and resilience in my corner of the school.

Why You’ll See Marigolds Everywhere at FKL

I’ve woven marigolds into the FKL brand because that workshop planted something lasting in me. They remind me—and now hopefully you too—that:

• Support matters: A little encouragement goes a long way.

• Awareness matters: Notice who lifts you up—and who you lift.

• Kindness matters: It’s these quiet moments that build a caring culture.

  
  

🌸 Your Marigold Moment

• Look around: Who in your world helps you feel steady, capable, and cared for?

• Be aware: Is there someone who could use your support today?

• Try this: Send a kind message, offer to listen, or say “I appreciate you.” That’s all it takes for a ripple to start.

  
  

That workshop—and the marigold metaphor—still guides me. It taught me that we don’t have to do this thing alone, and that even small acts of kindness matter. At FKL, that’s what we’re all about: being and planting marigolds in each other’s lives.

-Crystal