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No Easier, Softer Way

January 6, 2016 By Ahmed Hassan 4 Comments

It’s what we all want. Yes I, like you, wish there was a can of “Easier Softer Way” sold at my local hardware store. This way I could just buy it and spray a lil of it on those tougher than ever jobs that always seem to crop up in my
life. Talk about a popular item for retail sales everywhere!

I first heard “No easier softer way” from my dad.

I first heard this term spoken by my dad. Dad was one of the first persons in our family to go through and experience a 12 step program. He was one of the first to start reading daily affirmations, and he was also one of the first family members I know of to commit suicide. While his death was legally deemed “accidental” by the coroner, he and I were best friends and I knew intimately what he was going through.

The anniversary of my dads death is December 14th 1994. As the years go by, I continually learn to accept his death, primarily because he taught and gave me so much while he was here. Even in his passing, I’ve been educated on what works, and what doesn’t, in life. I decided to do a word search on “No Easier Softer Way,” just to see what comes up. I’m not surprised that it’s a quote that stems from AA.

Twelve step programs are a rigorous step by step process for reprogramming ones life, learning to be honest and ideally improve personal health, well being and relationships. Whether you’re seeking to do that, or your merely someone who appreciates doing interpersonal work on yourself, you’ll at some point find that there’s really no easier softer way when it comes to truly making something right.
This is true when it comes to washing dirty dishes, fixing something mechanical or designing your outdoor living.

The way to have the qualitative, sustainable and long lasting results you’re no doubt looking for, is to do the quality work you know to do. That, or hire a professional like myself to consult, design and work with you. Most entrepreneurs, artists and small business owners know this and are constantly torn between their exquisite craft and being able to sell their services and make an honest living. It’s limiting for me to be the guy that’s sometimes out there working in the trenches trying to physically make things happen the right way, and balance out the other side as the flamboyant Ahmed Hassan Celebrity Landscaper.

No easier way means planning and working through a design with clients.

It’s still kinda cute when I come across an employee or client of mine looking for an easier softer way to handle a situation. There they are, trying real hard to get out of doing something or spending the right amount of time and money to make something truly nice because they’re looking for that quick and simple path to cheap and easy. The path of least resistance, in my opinion, is typically downhill. Either that, or it’s when we’re coasting on the momentum we’ve already worked hard for and created.

When we’re building and striving for our biggest and best dreams, life is going to be challenging. When it’s time to cultivate, plow the fields and start a whole new crop, this is where the work and struggle takes place. I don’t care how philosophical you wanna be, landscaping, gardening, and construction all take work and lot’s of it.

The beauty of gardening, though, is that we’re working with nature and her magnificent power of growth. All we’ve gotta do is get things started and do the initial work well. We don’t have to grow the tree. We’ve just gotta plant it in the right location and offer it the essential elements and minimal maintenance it requires.

No shortcuts means taking the necessary time to do the hard work and do it right.

Ideally we select the appropriate species for the particular climate zone and we provide for it’s water, soil and exposure needs accordingly. If as a young tree its branches and trunk are developed correctly, a central leader is established and maintained, we’ll be successful with a tree that can withstand quite a bit, year after year. We will have one that will provide ample benefits to our home and family, as well as our landscape and garden areas.

The moral to the story is that learning what works and what doesn’t is what life affords us all. We have ample opportunities to try and try again, until we get it right. In everything we do we get to choose. We can spend copious amounts of time looking for the easier or softer way out, or we can just settle on the fact that most things in life are simply going to take plenty of time and work, to give us the kind of results that we want. So whatever it is that you’re trying to rush, force and label as simple…

I challenge you to consider, what kind of end results you actually want. Then use this vision to direct and determine how you move forward.

Thank you for caring and sharing.

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The Awesome Power of NO

December 15, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 2 Comments

Last week I walked by a table out in front of someone’s home where they were giving away old Christmas decorations. There was a big sign that said “Free Stuff Merry Christmas.” Nothing on this table was truly appealing to me except for some gold 8” letters that spelled out NOEL. I took the free letters and promptly threw away the E and the L.

I smiled at the word NO. I thought about what a wonderful word NO was and for the past few days I’ve been ruminating over today’s blog post. The Awesome Power Of NO is life changing in itself. Growing up in a society where so many, including myself subscribe to ascension and positivity, the word no is truly a path altering word.

I first heard about Codependency and Co Dependence Anonymous when I was nineteen years old. Codependence Anonymous or CODA is another 12 step group for people like myself and so many others that suffer from a behavioral issue acquired through child development and into adulthood. Simply stated, we are people pleasers. Our value and worth come from outside of ourselves and from others, hence the word “Co”.

We are depending on others to love us and make us feel worthy. Others to accept us and make us feel part of. We’ve taken something so simple as love and respect and learned to get this from outside of ourselves, rather than create it from our own internal source and capabilities. Codependency behavioral traits are very similar to what we commonly refer to as compassion. This means that many human beings will relate to several of the behavioral traits of being codependent, because human beings (at least in my opinion) are compassionate by nature.

Nonetheless, the Power of NO.

No is both powerful and necessary.

At 42 years old, I’ve learned to utilize NO with others in order for me to say YES to myself in other areas and aspects of my life.

NO- I will not leave my house this weekend. (I have things that I want and need to do at home that are important to me.)

NO- I will not buy fast food. (I have more respect and concern for my health and have prepared by bringing fresh fruit and healthier snacks when I leave for work.)

NO- I will not continue to buy plastic bottled water because I understand the implications and detriment on a global level.)

NO- I will not except a person talking to me in an utterly disrespectful tone or utilizing harsh words in communicating with me. (Meaning I will find my center and articulate when necessary so that the energy between myself and others does not escalate in such ways.)

The word NO is a word like NO other word. It ceases whatever momentum that might have been developing and stops it in its tracks. NO on the one hand allows a YES on the other hand. In order to advance in any one direction we must cease movement in another direction. NO allows us to do just this. The awesome power of NO is a power that each of us needs to learn and become proficient in exercising in our lives.

NO is how we take care of our individual selves. NO is how we stand up for ourselves and NO is what we must learn in order to say YES, ABSOLUTELY and I AGREE to what we truly desire. I’m of the opinion that our intuition, our gut and what many refer to as “GOD” directs us. We often know what works for us and what doesn’t.

We often have that gnawing feeling on the inside that directs us and assures us with all that we need in order to be happy whole and complete. What we’ve gotta do is simply get clear and courageous with both our YES and our NO. Both are equally beneficial and often a NO to you is how I say YES to loving and taking care of me. So practice this holiday season. Practice saying NO to what you simply do not choose, in order to say YES to what you do.

Thanks for sharing and caring. If you’re interested in learning more about Codependency, find a CODA meeting near you.
Pia Mellody is a leading author of several books on Codependency and healthy relationships. Check her out when you have some time.

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The Artist vs the Contractor

December 1, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

The artist is never on time. My artwork is always in transition in creating a thing of beauty. It’s what I’m known for, it’s my art. When I’m present I’m completely present, and therefore, time doesn’t exist. This doesn’t mean that I’m late. No, not at all. It means I’m an artist.

That’s me contracting away in the background!

The contractor plans for the day of work, well in advance. He creates the critical path for each person, each hour, each day and each week. When he’s on time, and has lined up with his expectations, he’s delighted. When he’s not, he’s stressed, and must work again to plan for success. He guesstimates, estimates and figures on things going one way. He too is a visionary of sorts. More in the realm of practicality of course.

He’s much more rigid, straight forward and driven by meeting his goals and financial expectations. He deals with the never ending changes brought on by life’s circumstances and the artist. The artist sees the design and strives to create it on paper, and in 3D, but it’s the contractor that finally sells the work.

Both must work together in order to deliver on the vision that inspires them, as well as their clientele.

He’s a clever, witty fella that artist. All in love with his dreams and visions. He plays and creates beauty in and with nature. The contractor writes out a clear scope of work and is disciplined with sticking to the script. He settles on what needs to be done and determines that if it’s not clearly stated within the contractual agreement. Then it’s considered a “change order.”

The contractor sees things in black and white, similar to the way a judge might see things. It’s not an emotional thing, it’s merely business. “Time is money” so to speak. It’s about materials and supplies. Labor costs and mobilization. Everything must be documented, clearly spelled out and accounted for.

artist or contractor… sometimes there is not much difference!

I’d like to consider myself a hybrid of both of these characters. I’m truly striving to balance both modalities, so that I can be more successful in life, and all of my businesses. It all comes down to balance and discipline. In a world of shiny objects and plenty of distractions, I’m doing my best to not get caught up with social media, or watching YouTube videos. To not have friendly, yet meaningless, conversation.

I’m actually doing quite well with segmenting my time and prioritizing what needs to get done versus what I feel like doing. All of life is merely a practice, and now that the sun is up and the coffee is made, we must go. The artist, the contractor and the decision maker called self.

Most contractors that are also self employed can feel and relate to my joys and pains. And most of us wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thanks for reading, for caring and for sharing.

Ahmad “Ahmed” Hassan

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How to DO What You Don’t Know How to DO

October 27, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

While I’ve worked with a fabulous group of professionals and volunteers to do 2 sizable charity projects to date, I’m still just learning how to make these magnificent projects up, then pull them off when we say we will. I’m sharing this with you in this week’s blog post because it’s chock full of wonderful information that might just help you understand how we formulate, create and pull these projects off.

Step 1. Have the inspiration. True inspiration is more than a thought or idea. It’s an emotional gnawing at your core that’s pest like and won’t go away. That thing that you just know has to happen.

Step 2. Is getting clear with the “why it matters.” This is a necessary qualifying of whatever it is. I’ve done this twice before with regards to these charity projects involving outdoor Living makeovers. These spaces are more than just a pretty outdoor space. They are landscapes and gardens that need to be done in order to impact the health and wellness of the folks they were designed for. There’s gotta be the reason that your goal, be it landscaping or otherwise, is worthy of your time, energy and fortitude.

Step 3. Make a decision around timing. Be realistic with yourself. When I say realistic, I do not mean that you can wrap your head around the “how.” I mean that the timing resonates with your intuitive self that says “Yes, We can pull this off by then.” You have to be able to visualize it happening within your time frame. If you don’t believe it. You will not achieve it.

Step 4. Co-conspire with others. This means to network, consult, attract and inspire. Stay clear of the nay sayers. Heed their warnings, but keep on building. Your mission is to stay focused on where you’re going. Ideally you might encourage them to help you in some way. Otherwise, thank them for their input and head on out!

Step 5. Continue to get and stay organized, and do something daily to move towards your goal. Focus on the vision. and address what you think is of the highest priority. You might be wrong but just do your best.

Step 6. Hold the vision front and center always! It’s like your torch that must stay lit. In spite of whatever you’ve committed to, make this happen.

This is actually where I am right now with #Astergardens.

Our design is on their website. They are excited about the project!

We’re in the midst of creating this awesome space for Inter Faith Community Services. We’ve already begun raising money to assist with the creation of the space. My hope is that anyone reading this week’s blog will feel generous and big hearted enough to give and assist my team of Sustainable Heroes (#sustainableheroes) as we take on the physical, mental and financial challenge of doing this actual makeover, construction and landscape work. Donations are fully tax deductible and can be made by simply clicking (Donate) and selecting for your monetary gift to go towards the Aster Street Garden Project.

These funds will primarily go towards, travel expenses, lodging and meals for myself and my team that travels from near and far. With the last 2 projects we solicited sponsors that could assist, if they were willing. Most often they say yes. It’s the Green Industry and we’re a bunch of loving people. If they say no, we simply have to ask again or ask another. Our goal must always be the project coming to fruition. Any challenges, doubt, no’s or other adversity simply isn’t acceptable. We’re on a mission that’s bigger than ourselves.

The commitment to accomplish and reach our goals is bigger than any single person’s vision or the lack thereof. We expect to face adversity but do not seek it out. We believe that who ever recognizes the problem or challenge, is the one that gets to start fixing and dealing with meeting that challenge. We subscribe to the philosophy of “By any means necessary. Get it done!

We also have to remember to spend our time, energy and other precious resources for good. This means no in fighting. No taking others inventory. No complaining about what somebody else is or isn’t doing. Instead, we must each dig deep and determine what we can do to be loving, encouraging and effective within our group or as a solo artist.

Today my responsibility is to begin reaching out to a list of sponsors and potential sponsors in order to get them once and for all committed for what’s needed in order to get the work done. My friend, and fellow sustainable hero, Tracy “Tylee” Sewell went to the GIE-EXPO and single handedly solicited every company on our list.

Friend and cohort Tracey Sewell on the Cover of Lawn and Landscape

She has already secured commitments from Stihl, Fire Gear Outdoors, Tufx, and Pavestone. Those are just a few of the 26 companies on my list that are aware of what we have going on, thanks to Tylee. I am not sure what they will do, but I am sure I can get them to help with something! All of her hard work has made this day full for me. And the beat goes on! Thanks for reading, sharing and caring.

If you’re in the San Diego or Los Angeles area and would like to volunteer and work with us November 21st and 22nd please register here. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Also, if you have any way of helping with the project please contact us at astergardensca@gmail.com.

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The Aster Street Garden Project

October 13, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 4 Comments

Hello… Is there anybody out there? Is there anyone that cares that I’ve fallen? Is there anyone for me to gather sympathy from? Anyone I can tell my sad, poor me stories to?

Hello! I’m complaining! I’m friggin’ scared. I’m anxious and the panic is starting to kick in. I don’t have my mortgage this month. Yet! I screwed up on the last few jobs and essentially lost my ass!

Hello! In spite of whatever might be wrong or right. In spite of what I’ve seemingly got myself into, and in spite of what anyone else thinks is good, bad, right or wrong, I already know that this too will pass. Sitting with whatever pain, anxiety and feeling of lack there is can only serve as a means of me hitting the bottom and begin working my way back up.

No matter how sad and pathetic our lives are, there are many more out there more f’d up, banged up, bruised up and severely hurting much more than we are. There is someone out there doing so much worse, and likely, so much more afraid and in need than you or I.

We are getting ready for something big!

I’ve learned that helping others is a large part of how I must live my life. It’s the way my parents raised me. They were always helping someone in need. Many times, we ourselves were the ones in need. I’ve experienced homelessness and living in motels with vouchers from AFDC. I know what it’s like to be excited because the food stamps showed up, even though I was embarrassed to actually have to use them.

My dad used to walk home from Safeway with a basket of day old breads, cakes and other baked goods so that we could eat, and while I didn’t want my friends to see him pushing the shopping cart down Concord Blvd, I was happy to eat those brownies and bread. Our lives are filled with problems and challenges. These are often the necessary tribulations we must experience in order to recognize what works and what doesn’t.

Dealing with life on life’s terms is what I’ve been committed to for several years. Clean and sober since 1992 (except for that fat joint I smoked 9 years into my sobriety), I’ve made a commitment to better my life and be a generational catalyst for change. That which doesn’t kill and obliterate me, serves to strengthen me, and give me even more audacity to kick ass and take names. Through all of the pain, all the adversity and challenges in my life, I’ve had to dig deep and become my own cheerleader, counselor, bodyguard and friend. I typically seclude myself a bit and focus on whatever I can do to strategically rise up and dominate whatever situation I’m battling with.

Am I afraid, Hell yes! Am I filled with Faith that everything will work out in the end??? How can I not be?! My life on the outside looks like I’ve got so much together. I live in a big house on top of the hill. I drive a great big shiny truck, and my home is filled with more furniture than I currently have room for.

I am by many social standards “successful” or so it seems. The truth is that I come from people that had nothing, and had to work really hard for whatever they did have. The truth is, I come from several generations of talented people that were clever, witty, compassionate and committed. They were drug addicts, criminals, ran brothels, and skeet skirted around the law wherever they needed to in order to make ends meet. I am a multitude and magnificent blend of these people that have gone before me, and if there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that we, my folks, my family and my ancestors are compassionate people that have always helped others to help themselves.

Consulting on our new charity project, Aster Street Garden

This is why I continue to say yes to projects like #Daniellaswish and #Bullockgarden I have a special compassion for women and children. I also have a real soft spot and different affinity for men. These charity projects gave me an opportunity to give to others that have less than I did. They allow me to get out of my own way and focus on helping folks that want the help, need the help and are truly worthy of some assistance in their lives.

This Thanksgiving we’re doing our 3rd charity project, cyber tagged #Astergarden. There’s no link for this project yet because we haven’t done the work. So much of my life looks like this. It’s not here yet. Faith is the essence, the power and the hope for things not here and yet to come. That is my paraphrase of Hebrews 11:1. My faith is probably like your own. Something that waivers and waffles. Sometimes we’re big, and sometimes we’re small, but one thing that’s consistent is that we’re always able to help somebody somewhere.

It looks like a blank canvas right now.

The capacity to pay it forward is probably one of our greatest human talents! So that’s what I’m doing today. That’s what I’m committed to doing from here on out. You’ll continue to see me use hash tags like #PHP(People Helping People) and #BA4GC (Badasses For Good Causes) and #Sustainableheroes.

Each and every opportunity is my potential to help others. To give back and stop being self centered.
This most current project is one that will take place on November 21st and 22nd of 2015. One week before Thanksgiving, you, me and a whole bunch of other awesome, large minded and large-hearted people will all converge on the scene in Escondido, CA. We will create a landscape makeover like you’ve never seen before.

Why? Because it’s necessary, and because the best way to help yourself in life is by helping others. I believe this and because I do, it’s absolutely true for me. If any one reading this blog is both willing and able, please donate to the Aster Gardens Project. Plan to join us as we build and create this amazing Outdoor Living and congregating space. We need all the help we can get.

There are families, women, children, seniors and vets that are so much worse off than you or I. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I invite you and encourage you to step outside of your own small world of “woe is me”, and show up in Escondido to be a part of the magic and love. There is a law that exists in the Universe. It’s often referred to as Karma. This Karma will take you further than you could ever take yourself. Do for others and watch how this energy, circles back and takes care of your every need. I thank you and look forward to meeting you all this November.

This is an idea of what what it will look like when we are finished!

Ahmad “Ahmed” Hassan aka The Celebrity Landscaper, The baddest damn landscaper you’ve ever seen! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

#TeamAhmed #GoGreenWithAhmed #AsterGardens #BA4GC #SustainableHeroes #PHP #DaniellasWish

Abundance vs. Too Much

September 30, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

I’ve published several blogs on the topic of abundance but this one’s a bit different. The issue of abundance can easily cross over into the realm of what’s just plain ol’ “too much” and too much of anything is typically just that. “Too much”. Overwhelming, is actually what I experienced when I originally was inspired to write this week’s blog post. Because I’m very literal in my choice of words, I often back up the words that I choose and share their definition as a way of gaining a more in depth understanding of the fact that too much of a good thing is sometimes just plain ol’ “too much”.

I feel like this often.

While recently working in a friend’s garden, I found myself inundated with a particular ground cover and another flowering perennial. It took me a minute to identify Glechoma Hedera aka Creeping Charlie. This wonderful little ground cover is considered like so many others, a weed. It’s prolific growth, and will to live, could easily be seen as “too much” of a good thing.

My friend, and fan, Tommy, and son Ryan aka Big Boobies!

Plants are like that.

1. Exotics. There are exotic plants, meaning they’re non-native and require special consideration in order to be grown, maintained and sustained in their non-native environments.

2. Native Plants. These are plants that are specific their region. They are accustomed to the area and thrive as a result. They receive just the perfect amount of sun and shade exposure.

3. Naturalized Plants. These are plants that were either taken, or moved from their location to a new location. They receive the ideal soil and moisture conditions, and boom! They explode! When this explosion happens in a non-native environment the plant is considered a noxious weed. Noxious, because it stands to threaten, harm and deter other native species from thriving. It is a rambunctious case of “too much”. Yet, this isn’t just isolated to the plant world.

Too much of anything is considered a problem. Balance in nature is essential to our sustainability and overall health. Balance in all things is what I’m currently focused on in my own personal life; whether it be my diet, my work life, my fun and my responsibilities. The key to life and landscaping is striking a balance, and having an appreciation for and everything in moderation.

Thank you for following my blogs on life, love and landscaping. My books are soon to follow towards the end of this year and beginning next year. It’s been a process in organic timing and tons of learning. I’m appreciative of your caring and sharing.

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Happy Birthday to Me

September 22, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 4 Comments

In my 42 years of life I’ve learned plenty about what works and what doesn’t. I consider myself someone who pays attention to life’s lessons. Here is a simple list of 42 things I’ve learned while riding this rock through space.

1. I’ve learned that we don’t truly own anything. Rather, we get the privilege, and opportunity if we’re lucky enough, to share time, space and experiences with people, places and things.

2. I’ve learned that the earth, in spite of our ignorance, is adaptive and will always prevail.

3. I’ve learned that we receive according to and as we believe, and that my belief system is an ever evolving platform. Thankfully!

4. I’ve learned that the world is getting better every day so long as I’m getting better everyday.

5. I’ve learned that time is a wonderful healer.

6. I’ve learned that possession and love are not synonymous.

7. I’ve learned to plan, visualize and expect. Then remain flexible and enjoy what comes.

8. I’ve learned that everything in moderation is almost always a sure and safe choice.

9. I’ve learned that giving thanks is most often the most mature and appropriate response.

10. I’ve learned that a person’s skin color, diet and sexual preference, or orientation, is deceiving and tells very little about the person.

11. I’ve learned that life is continually teaching us all that we need to know. Sometimes we’re paying attention, sometimes we’re not.

12. I’ve learned that choice is our birthright, our super power and our burden.

13. I’ve learned that natural is best, and it is becoming more elusive in this ever evolving world.

14. I’ve learned that we adults are those same children we once were. A lil older, changed by the passing of time, and weathered by life’s experiences; but at our core, the essence of the children we once were remains. Nurturing this inner child is an act of kindness and necessary selfish kind of love.

15. I’ve learned that it’s always best to be honest and discern between what’s your personal business versus others’ business.

16. I’ve learned that labels are limiting and that people are limitless.

17. I’ve learned that the cameras lens can do no justice to what the photographer witnesses.

18. I’ve learned to start with inspiration, then figure out the rest.

How can you not be inspired when you look at this?

19. I’ve learned that old dogs can, in fact, learn new tricks if they desire and are inspired to do so.

20. I’ve learned that weeds are essential and expected in a garden. They’re a sign of abundance.

21. I’ve learned to recognize a call and cry for love, in spite of how it sounds.

22. I’ve learned to love them while they’re still here, and not wait until they’re gone.

23. I’ve experienced the power that lies within my thoughts, my words and my actions. This power is sometimes frightening and must be harnessed within my own moral integrity.

24. I’ve learned that I’m not my thoughts.

25. I’ve learned that whatever I look for in others, I’ll find.

26. I’ve learned to trust in organic timing.

27. I’ve learned that procrastination is the pregnant mother of disappointment.

28. I’ve learned that what you put in, is basically a variation of what you’ll get out.

29. I’ve learned to listen to my intuition.

30. I’ve learned that ending with a sincere “I’m sorry” is the best way to apologize.

31. I’ve learned that asking “Would you be willing…” is the best way to ask another person for what’s wanted.

32. I’ve learned that loving and accepting myself, allows me to love and accept others.

33. I’ve learned to recycle and reuse.

34. I’ve learned to be specific with what I wish, want and pray for.

35. I’ve learned to switch and replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

36. I’ve learned that eating and drinking should be separated.

37. I’ve learned that saying excuse me doesn’t make the smell go away.

38. I’ve learned that unconditional love does not mean unconditional like.

39. I’ve learned that most women would rather be referred to as “woman. Not chic, ma’am or girl.”

40. I’ve learned that good and honest communication requires courage.

41. I’ve learned that nothing lasts forever. If it did, we’d be backed up and have even more problems.

42. I’ve learned that the Universe is my source, always!

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The Ancillary Benefits and Burdens of Choice

September 15, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

I suppose we’re all a little ignorant in some areas. I mean how can we know everything about anything. We all make decisions based on some piece of inspiration, based on some small seed idea that we initially have planted in our mind. “I wanna grow a garden”, thinks the person that enjoys munching on this flavorful fruit salad I just made. Yet, who really thinks about all of the not so inspiring aspects of what’s also involved with growing a garden?

Does anyone consider the weeds they’ll grow? Or the amount of water they’ll use in order to keep their garden flourishing? Just about anything we do comes with ancillary benefits, and consequences, that will at some point rear their little heads, and show what else we get to manage because of our previous decision to step into such and such.

This is the story of so many young students entering college thinking that they’re interested in whatever subject or category of studies they said, or thought they were, when they chose whatever classes they did originally. Such is the story of our lives.

Three great words, learn them!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Our lives come with a benefit. That benefit is the opportunity to always say yes, no, maybe so and to change our minds. Of course there’s going to be opportunities, benefits, consequences and what I’m referring to as those ancillary effects, that stem from whatever decision we land on. This is a part of life.

There are choices we get to make everyday. Some of these choices are supporting other choices we made yesterday. They are the “yes”. I still want to have or do this.

Other choices are the “no”. I’m not willing to go there or support that idea. Maybe we needed to sleep on it or we might have been thinking about whether we were going to do this or that. It sometimes takes awhile for some of us people pleaser types to say no, but once we’re clear, we can disagree with the best of ’em and deliver a “Nah, I’m all good, thanks but no thanks.”

One great phrase, use it!

“Maybe so” is more or less a stall tactic. I’ve learned to use this with my kids, they will take literally everything I say as a promise. I have to be very clear with the idea that “maybe so” means I’m undecided and need a lil more time to consider what feels right to me.

And finally the magic of changing ones mind. This is the decision that let’s us know we’re alive. Life is forever expanding. All things developing, maturing and delivering what we want or what we never saw coming. When we’re dead and gone, we no longer get to choose. So relishing in this wonderful power of choice is what makes all the difference in the world.

So many folks are suffering from depression because they feel stuck in some sort of way around past decisions that they made, or they feel unempowered to make the changes that need to be made in order to once again enjoy life.

My kids are still learning that maybe so does not mean yes or no.

So today I’m here to remind you. If you’re alive, you get to choose. Of course any choice you make will have those pesky consequences, rewards or benefits to accompany them, and it’s impossible to know precisely what those will feel like until they’re here.

I’d also like to remind you to respect the natural time frame of things. Anything that took time and habit to create, will surely take a reasonable time frame and another habit to undo. This is something I failed to understand as a young man, and I instead thought that everything should move at lightening speed.

Life continues to show me that this isn’t the case. So breathe my friend. Give thanks that you’re alive and get to enjoy another day or choice. Do your absolute best in this moment, with ease and grace. Rest assured that no matter what life throws at you, and what you decide to dream up and move towards, it’s attainable. Each day that you’re alive you get the opportunity to say, yes, no, maybe so and I’ve changed my mind. Thanks for reading, caring and sharing.

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That Which Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger

September 8, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan Leave a Comment

“That which doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” This phrase first coined by German philosopher Freidrich Nietzsche in and around the late 1800s is one of those iconic phrases that has stood the test of time, and is as true today as it was then. I love using analogies. It’s something I got from my father. Analogies allow me to teach and use various examples to tell a story, rather than simply conveying the facts of a particular event. “It’s kinda like this, or kinda like that.”

In nature it’s very easy to see that what doesn’t kill a tree can actually make it stronger. Hurricanes, wind, drought and flood are all challenges to a tree’s development. These challenges have the capacity to over take a fragile tree and do it in. But these same challenges also stand to challenge, or harden off, the tree and then develop its physiological character, as well as it’s ability to withstand these same challenges even better, the next time around.

Trees, need to sway in the wind. The swaying actually lifts up their roots and causes them to grow more, allowing the tree to improve upon its foundation. Without this natural, or what we call biological, challenge, the species would never be able to endure a more severe hurricane or gust of wind. If you’ve ever enjoyed looking at the structure and branch development of a large old oak tree, you are likely seeing and appreciating the challenges that tree has met, head on.

angel-oak-ahmed-hassan-make-you-stronger

South Carolina’s “Angel Oak Tree” has stood on St. John’s Island for more than 400 years, weathering more than its fair share of hurricanes.

That’s right, trees and plants don’t get an opportunity to back down. They don’t get to say, “Hey I’m afraid, I don’t think that I can handle this.” Instead they must deal, and when they do; again and again, they have the capacity to do and deal with even more. This is the absolute truth! Nature is such a wonderful teacher.

Intuitively I know that you and I are very similar to the tree. In our lives we need challenges in order for us to build our muscles (grow an expansive root system). We’ve always been like this. Since we were young, life has thrown us hurricanes, and heartache, and yet, we’re still here. There were times when we didn’t think we’d make it, and in those times, we got grounded, we learned to dig deep and set more roots.

We are all destined for struggle. It is this process that helps us mature into something amazing.

Adversity and life’s trials and tribulations are essential. They’re natural and necessary in fact. The Christians say to pray. The Buddhist say to meditate. The arborist will tell you to stake up your tree, but be sure not to stake it too tight because the tree needs to sway a bit. Boundaries and parameters are a good way of looking at it. It’s okay to safeguard, and see that total obliteration doesn’t happen; but whatever you do, don’t expect that life shouldn’t be challenging. And remember, that which doesn’t kill you is actually serving you quite well. It is making you stronger, more aware and showing you just what you’re really made of.

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Ignorance is Bliss

September 1, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 1 Comment

As a public figure and student of horticulture, one of the most challenging things I often deal with is folks wanting and expecting me to give simplistic answers, tips and solutions to things, that aren’t nearly as simple as one might think.” The state of not knowing is far more simple than having all of the information and deciding what’s best. While I love variety, I often find myself having to simplify in order to calm my anxiety and still make progress.

For instance, Ive got this new way of ordering food. I scan the menu and hone in on the first thing that inspires me. “Ooh that sounds deelish!” I stop right there, no matter how long the menu is. Why continue to look and give myself the challenges that come with other options? If I like something, I should just go for it!

Looked good to me!

I know what you’re thinking! “But what if there’s something better, more nutritious, more appealing, or simply more delicious for me to choose?” The truth is there’s likely always something that we might like better; always something that will bump that initial “ooh I want that” with an “Oh no I want that instead”. The trick to maintaining that state of bliss is to simply decide. Ignorance is the opposite of Intelligence. Intelligence is just a fancy word for knowing, it is the capacity of understanding truths. But remember, we’re talking about ignorance being blissful, not intelligence.

It’s been said on more than one occasion that gardening is calming and therapeutic, and while I completely agree with this, I’ll also have you know that what I specialize in is blitz style landscape makeovers. I’m a horticulturally trained landscape contractor that takes gardening, shoots it up on steroids and slams outdoor living makeovers in such a way that anyone observing is blown away at just how fast and how aesthetically pleasing this intensely laborious work can be executed. The only thing that’s blissful about what I do is seeing the final end product.

Landscaping for someone like myself is both fun, challenging and highly conscientious work. I’m charged with the responsibility of managing what already exists on each property and how I will modify, recycle and re-use what’s there to cost effectively create a space that’s lovely, serene and will weather well. There’s a lot more to this than just picking pretty plants or deciding on the right fabrics to give that perfect pop of color. It’s not all bliss! I won’t bore you and go into all of what’s involved in regards to determining proper exposure, and/or workability of amended soil. I won’t bore you with the technical conversations involved with horticultural yard manifestation (landscaping).

You know, conversations like the one I had with my brother yesterday where we talked about whether or not the process of scoring the rootball on new plants was necessary or helpful. We spent at least 10 minutes on the phone, and had barely scratched the surface with whether or not this action, that I was taught in 1995, was truly helpful to the establishment and overall health of a new plant. I know I’m wrong for not inquiring about your own thoughts on this topic, but there is only so much time I have on any given day. Besides, if ignorance is bliss, why should I ruin your day?

Proper Rootball Care is Not All Bliss

I can tell you this though. Roots only know what they are exposed to. Genetically, they only do a few things. Primarily, they elongate through the soil, taking up water and nutrients. Ripping, or scoring them, doesn’t actually facilitate that process. Watering, and preparing their new living environment in such a way that the soil around the roots is properly loosened up and ideally improved (what we call amended) can help.

There are so many other factors involved to see that your plants establish a healthy, hearty root zone that scoring the rootball isn’t necessary, in my opinion. It’s likely more damaging. Here is what you should do instead. If your container plant is not rootbound and generally healthy, simply squeeze the container, pop it out, and put it in the ground. Always be sure to dig a nice wide hole, almost twice the size of the rootball hole, and amend this hole with 40-50% organic compost when possible.

Amending soil is so important for overall rootball health.

Mixing and amending soil is important. Digging a hole, dumping compost into it and sticking your new plant inside, is not going to net you positive results. You want to mix your native soil with compost so that what you end up with is an almost equal blend of this improved loosened soil. It is more closely related to the potting soil that your plant is already accustomed too. The additional spacing around the soil (because you dug your hole nice and wide) ensures that drainage is slowed and soil water will puddle allowing plant roots the opportunity to lengthen and absorb the moisture and nutrients.

Trees are different though. DO NOT AMEND THE HOLE WHEN PLANTING TREES AS THEY NEED A STURDY FOUNDATION AND ROOT SYSTEM AND SHOULD BE GROWN IN WELL LOOSENED, FRACTURED NATIVE SOIL.You should instead top dress your trees with soil amendment AFTER planting. Water and other micro organisms will leach the nutrients down into the root zone of the tree.

Back to Bliss

I’m going to stop there because I could go on and on with other details around other issues affecting the healthy establishment of plant roots, but I’m beginning to feel that blissful feeling start to fade. The more you know, you can’t act like you don’t know, and this my friends, is what being intelligent is all about. Thanks!

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