I was first struck by the idea for this article two weeks ago, when laughing in a group text with some of my sisters that instead of being a flower in the garden of life, I'm a cactus. We laughed about how people are often hesitant to get to know me because I have a prickly exterior. Little did we know at the time, that that conversation would hold new meaning and perspective in just a few short days. And now it only seems appropriate that that metaphor came to me when it did.
At 2 A.M. on New Year's Day, tragedy struck and shook my sisterhood down to the core. I'm sure right now, you're very confused on how this fits into this "I am a cactus" thing I've got going on, but trust me. One of my Zeta sisters had this absolutely beautiful tattoo of a cactus on her upper arm. I remember one night, sitting up in our chapter room with her working on things for a philanthropy event and asking her about it.
"I really like your tattoo," I had said, "Does it have any sort of meaning or did you just think it was cool?"
"No, there's not really a meaning. I just thought it was cute. My boyfriend at the time had told me not to do it, but I wanted it anyway. So why not? Life is short. Why not do what you want?" she had replied.
I didn't think much of that conversation until recently. Now given the circumstances, I realize how much that little cactus on her arm stands for still today.
While most people see cacti as being undesirable, ugly and a physical embodiment of "eff off", in Native American tradition, cacti represent protection, strength and endurance. They symbolize warmth and an enduring love. They have the ability to survive in conditions that are not optimal. Those little guys can handle whatever the elements throw at them. Their roots run wide and deep. They are beautiful in their own way. They continue to flower, even in the face of adversity and, as Disney says, "the flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all." They represent a place full of mystery and adventure.
So, tell me then, why would I not want to be all of those things? Why should I not be proud to be that cactus? I'm more than just a prickly exterior. I am strong. I am tough and resilient. I can hold my own. I continue to survive through whatever life throws at me. I will continue to flourish through the good times, the bad times, the truly hard times when it seems the rain will never come. In tough and prickly situations, I will look for and find the beauty in them. I will let my roots spread wide and reach those places I never expected them to. I will continue to love with a ferocity that will stay untamed. I will not let others say that I'm not beautiful because I have thorns or because I'm different. I am a cactus in the garden of life and I'm damn proud.
