The Nasty Nasturtium who Wanted to be NIce


In the heart of a vibrant and colorful garden, nestled amidst an array of blooming flowers, lived a nasturtium named Ned. Ned had a peculiar reputation in the garden. While his fellow flowers spread their fragrance and warmth, Ned was known for his prickly attitude and sharp words. He would often snap at his neighbors, criticize their petals, and generally spread negativity wherever he went.


His sharp leaves and pointed comments had created quite a rift in the garden. Some flowers had even started to avoid him, fearing his unpleasant demeanor. But deep down, Ned felt a sense of loneliness. He watched as other flowers shared laughter and compliments, and he yearned to be a part of that camaraderie. He knew he was different, and he began to grow tired of his own negativity.


One sunny morning, as the garden bathed in golden sunlight, Ned gazed at his reflection in a dewdrop. He realized that if he ever wanted to be truly happy, he needed to change his ways. With newfound determination, Ned embarked on a journey to transform himself from a nasty nasturtium into a kind and pleasant flower.


He started by observing his companions closely. He noticed how they would listen to each other's stories, offer a helping petal when needed, and always find something nice to say. Ned decided to follow their example. He practiced smiling and began to offer words of encouragement to his neighbors. He even shared his water and sunlight when they were in need.


As days turned into weeks, Ned's efforts began to bear fruit, metaphorically speaking. His once-sharp words were replaced by gentle compliments, and his prickly leaves began to soften. The other flowers started to notice the change and cautiously warmed up to him. They were surprised by the transformation and gradually began to accept Ned into their circle.


One particularly gloomy day, the garden faced a crisis. A fierce storm raged through, threatening to uproot some of the smaller flowers. Without a second thought, Ned used his strong stems and leaves to shield his neighbors from the wind and rain. He stood tall, protecting them with unwavering determination.

 

His act of bravery touched the hearts of the other flowers. They saw a side of Ned they had never imagined existed. From that day forward, Ned became a true friend and ally in the garden. His journey from being a nasty nasturtium to a kind and caring flower was complete.


As the seasons changed, Ned's once solitary corner in the garden became a hub of laughter, stories, and blossoming friendships. The once-nasty nasturtium had not only changed himself but had also helped mend the bonds within the garden. Ned's transformation was a testament to the power of change, the resilience of the human (and floral) spirit, and the beauty that can emerge when one decides to be kind.


And so, the garden flourished not only with vibrant colors but also with the fragrance of newfound friendships, all thanks to the once-nasty nasturtium who chose to be nice.

 

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Public domain. Freely distribute in digital or print form. 


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Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
https://opensource.com/users/pshapiro

He/Him/His

"Wisdom begins with wonder." - Socrates
"Learning happens thru gentleness."
"We must reinvent a future free of blinders so that we can choose from real options."  David Suzuki

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