The poppy flower is the official flower of the state of California. Growing up in California, I knew this but didn’t visit any poppy fields or have any great appreciation for the flower. It is also the flower for Remembrance Day. Here’s a little fun facts on the poppy from the state of California website. “Also known as the flame flower, la amapola, and copa de oro (cup of gold), the California poppy grows wild throughout the state. Native Americans in California valued the poppy as a food source and for the oil extracted from the plant. Every year, April 6 is California Poppy Day and May 13th – 18th is Poppy Week.”

For me, poppies and pictures of the flower have been a trigger for me since my teens. I get that “ugh” feeling when I see a post of a field of poppies. I just can’t wear the poppy on Remembrance Day even when I was in Canada. Why? You may ask. Seems strange to harbor ill will towards a flower. What could it possibly trigger!!?? Ah yes, that is the mystery! Not so much if you knew me when.

When I was a young girl in elementary school, I was molested by my grandfather. We called my grandparents Grandma and Poppy. So, that’s that! I actually don’t know why or how that started. I am the first grandchild but have no clue how it transpired. I’m 48 years old, so this seems like a long time to be “affected” or even to give pause to seeing the word poppy or the flower!

This time that didn’t happen!!! Two of my cousins, within a few days of each other, posted photos of the poppy fields and their kids in the fields and I LOVED them!! I mean they are two of my favorite people so maybe that helped! 😉

Seriously though, I recognized almost immediately that I didn’t quickly scroll by or growl and move on or reluctantly like the photo!

I have been doing a lot of work on myself and my growth, especially the last few years and I have to say this is one of those visible ways to see it is paying off! While it is “only a flower,” it was still a reminder that brought a crappy time of my life to the forefront of my day in a negative way. Any time we can get rid of those triggers it is a big bold WIN!

The days go so well when we eliminate drama!! I am joyous that I have eliminated this trigger! The work is paying off! Self care, healing, growth, dealing with my shit; it’s all helpful and it’s all worth it! I highly recommend you get on board with working on yourself! Your daily life will only get better!!! Happy Spring!