What It Means When A Leaf Wilts

Artwork by: Neda Kerendian

The story:

My heart used to ache when I’d come home and find a leaf on my plant beginning to wilt. I thought I had failed in some way.

Years ago, my dad who studied agriculture quickly shifted this perspective in me. He taught me that when a leaf yellows, you simply need to trim it off. It doesn’t mean the plant is dead, it’s just signaling to you what it needs. It might need more water or more sunlight, but first, you need to shed the dying leaves and create space for new growth.

I’ve grown to see my own creative process with a similar sense of nurturing and understanding.

I see my benchmarks in every life-giving, bright and shining idea that propels me forward. In every new leaf that begins to grow.

I see my progress in every once-exciting idea that I've let go after it began to wilt and no longer served me.

I see my growth in taking in all that I’ve learned and creating space for new ideas - stronger ideas built through all I’ve discovered in this process.

I find my progress in all that I’ve continued to create and all that continues to inform each new step.

Neda Kerendian is an artist based in Los Angeles, CA. She received her Bachelor's in Studio Art from the University of California, San Diego. Through her work, she hopes to convey a feeling of ease. Thinking on themes of light, magic, warmth, slowing down, and acceptance. You can find more of Neda at https://linedwithsilver.com/ as well as her Instagram.