It’s another “No Mow May” here in Appleton. (An effort to support bees and other pollinators.) Our lawn is a potpourri of colors: yellow dandelions, purple violets, green grass. There’s a wildness that I love; and a messiness that’s uncomfortable (yet good for me!).

In an article encouraging “No Mow May,” I read a thought-provoking line: “When we think of habitat loss, we tend to imagine bulldozers and rutted dirt, but acres of manicured lawn are as much a loss of habitat as any development site.”

This prompted me to consider not just lawns but “manicured lives.” The ways we pretend we’re okay when we’re not. The ways we achieve, improve, and beautify based on (unrealistic) cultural norms. The ways we live according to others’ expectations rather than our own internal compass.

All of this is “habitat loss.” It decreases our well-being and internal growth.

I suggest a “No Mow May” for our inner landscape. Allow for life to be messy. Let yourself be real (feel what you feel). Have difficult conversations. Feed your heart hunger. Embrace the dark with the light. Use your authentic voice. Cry, laugh, and dance with all your weeds. Remember that your flawed, beautiful self is worthy and enough as-is.