Add or Shed

It seems if I dwell on something long enough thoughts about it come to me.  I was drawn to what was said in a James Clear email. "There are two ways to grow: by adding or by shedding. Do you need to add something or do you need to shed something?"
I was asking myself if I thought that was true and I thought about plants.  It is true in my dealings with them.
Often I need to add to the soil.  There can be one element missing that is vital to growth and health.  Once I discover what that element is, and add it, the plant grows happily.
The same with me I reckon (not eating say “lime”). It is true figuratively.  There are things I add to my life from time to time as I know they are missing.  The addition of it is good for me and helps me grow as a person.
By the same token there comes a time of pruning.  Where excess growth is cut off to make way for stronger, healthier growth.  The plant does not know it yet but I intend to cut off growth on a pot plant.  I see it healthier and stronger as a result.
When that happens to me it is never pleasant mind.  I see it in the yard.  We recently had trees pruned big time.  It was a case of “what have we done.” The yard looks sparce and bare.  But that was only for a while.  The trees came back and the growth looked good  and the trees healthy, and growth no longer got in our way.  A win for the trees and a win for us I reckon.
Again I see that as something I need from time to time.  Growth as a person is good.  Yet sometimes it is unruly.   Sometimes the best thing that can happen is pruning.  I am stronger as a person, can direct energy to where it is needed most, and have greater potential.
Adding or shedding may not be pleasant, but done right it is always beneficial.