![20260110_170220.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/lizelle/23wqnMkTXsQ5X549czaU8uk3LkmbN5BAfPqjRzAgNEd4wQLjuQjTY8DXDprW5jpL9x1Cp.jpg) ![20260108_120219.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/lizelle/23vhyofwpVHQhDuweWMjsssPrsdd6Gka9NuF1E4qJSFxw5N4kx6Z2ZfowGidGxMaz9WFr.jpg) Why do beautiful flowers like roses have such vicious thorns? Are they more prone to being attacked by bugs and other nasties, just because of their beauty, and need a defensive mechanism? Not quite, as many other thorny plants in arid regions aren't always very pretty, but the thorns they have are vital in preserving those plants. It helps with water loss by reducing water condensation, and in the case of cacti, they help collect water from the air. Thorns also protect the plants against herbivores. So, thorns are vital to the survival of some plants. Life swings between a bed of roses and one of thorns. Why do we also have to deal with thorns along the path of life, and how do we survive? Do we really need to experience those nasty thorns to appreciate life again? ![20260108_120109-COLLAGE.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/lizelle/EoiVmvcN2s9RRfMQe49RrJW5W2f6Kdwfc6aJ7Xj42uryCwSHBAez94ZgY878nVzBQyQ.jpg) By adapting and knowing that the thorns aren't going to stay forever, even though it doesn't feel like it, one begins to feel like it will never be replaced by a bed of roses. Life often throws curveballs, just like those bugs that can destroy a plant. Do we allow those nasties that pop up in our pathway to destroy us? It's very easy to give up, become miserable, and believe that's how life is going to be from there on. And guess what, it will surely be just as you believe! We can keep a positive outlook and realize that this is just temporary. Believing that those nasties can be overcome will indeed lead to a happy, fulfilled life, and we can start enjoying all the good things in life again. ![20251213_115502.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/lizelle/23w2m8Mr78Un171c1yJ82YLoBKm3cLKjRUaFpCJE8wvW3QaedwLYgbsPgp5hAHPVVhm11.jpg) I am so thankful that I can pack away the nebulizer finally after nearly six weeks, it felt way too long! ![20260111_130925.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/lizelle/23wMaemYTM1XYNLKWFnnYxBHEb69UDN19TsPybZWCaEoxfimgmoRXFCe4ff9jPt2aJUZF.jpg) My rehab program is well on its way. I've started aqua-aerobics in the heated indoor pool here in the village where I live. I am so thankful for the superb facilities and that most of the numerous activities on offer are included in our very affordable levies! And, I no longer have to worry about installing stronger and better deterrents against home intrusions! The only thing I need to deter are the monkeys, so no more visible fruit baskets, and making my own plans to secure all openings such that monkeys cannot enter when I leave the room. Fresh air is a necessity so the openings are just too narrow for them to squeeze through! ![20260108_102114.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/lizelle/23u65KDHUuL165nc4uGpQmyeWasrhpuD9b7EzHMk7CcP8PmihEX1yymQSBWrNUhhfsHro.jpg) The only problem is that monkeys are getting craft, and may just lift my latch one day and pay me a surprise visit when my back is turned. That could become quite a bed of thorns that would take a bit of work to clear out, because they are known to make a big mess! ![Black & White Minimalist Signature Personal Brand Logo edit.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/lizelle/23xLL9BXg4j9MKWEZXmMq3hyfb1zFZseRViX2RixT5kt12s6F2NU7yUBn1f2BHs9MdwKj.png) *** ###### 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙃𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 Join our [Silver Bloggers community ![Silver Bloggers footer banner 600 x 300.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/hive-106316/48WD1eopcAX4rSS8vpYrV1FgBxPT9MQgSPaM2ToKczuqCr1Z41rVsFP8GHaoMoe4MT.jpg)](https://peakd.com/c/hive-106316) ^{Artwork by @artywink} *** ### 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙠 Join our community of awesome content creators by clicking my referral [LINK](https://peakd.com/register?ref=lizelle)

Roses №2