When Was the Last Time You Had an Original Thought?

This might be uncomfortable to ask you, plant friends, but when was the last time you had an original thought? Meaning, it shouldn’t be something you heard from a podcast, Instagram, or even ChatGPT. I’ve been itching to ask this question since coming back from maternity leave. And even when I sat down to write this, I caught myself scrolling, trying to find more about how to stop doing exactly that. This might be a little different from what we always talk about, but I figured it's something we can all have a conversation about. Let's dive in!&nbsp;In this episode, we learn:[02:04] Why is it so hard to hear yourself coming out of maternity leave?[04:49] How it's possible to go a whole day without one original thought[07:33] What is information overload?[08:24] Why do self-help, wellness, and meditation apps sometimes add to information overload?[09:56] Why we need space and the ability to get bored again[11:40] “Look at a plant before you look at a screen”[12:33] How did trading coffee with my phone for coffee with my plants change my mornings?[15:35] Have you tried single-origin Manukora honey?&nbsp;[17:21] Make fertilizing and mixing chunky soil simple with Espoma Organic![19:21] Why plants are such a gentle place to put your attention[20:21] What is attention restoration theory? (Directed vs. involuntary attention)[22:36] How a 40-second green roof microbreak improved focus[24:35] Why I'm telling you to turn off this podcast…[25:55] Check out my Substack![26:14] Back to the original question:  when was the last time you had an original thought?&nbsp;Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy episodes:322: From Plant Care to Nature Therapy: A Solo Heart to Heart310: Digital Detox: What 3 Days in Nature Taught Me (and How You Can Recreate It at Home)192: How to Overcome Burnout Through The Healing Power of Nature2015 Study: 40-Second Green Roof Views Sustain AttentionSubscribe to my Substack&nbsp;Are you up for my no-screen mornings challenge?Check out the full show notes and blog for more details!&nbsp;Thank you to our episode sponsors:ManukoraGo to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!Espoma OrganicVisit&nbsp;espoma.com&nbsp;to find your local Espoma dealer or check my&nbsp;Amazon storefront.&nbsp;Follow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)&nbsp;by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungTake the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Growing Joy with Maria by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy YouTube channel! <a href="https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria" target="_blank" rel="noopener