Managing a yard can be an overwhelming task. Weeding is one that seems pretty thankless. Sure, after I’m done weeding an area it looks good. Maybe beautiful. But it seems like a week later the weeds are back. Mocking me.

For years, I weeded with frustration. Grabbing the leaves and tugging. Attacking them with some garden implement that promised to make weeding easier. Yet, there I was a week later, yelling at the weeds, telling them how disrespectful they were for growing back.

Of course, I was doing it wrong. I allowed my anger at the process to short-circuit my brain. I needed to slow down. Most importantly, I needed to stop grabbing, tugging and plucking. I needed to start weeding.

Which means examining the plant. Getting my fingers around the stem and pulling with the force necessary. Not gently, really, but gradually. Feeling the resistance of the roots and pulling them up slowly. Coming away with the whole root bulb and tendrils.

Sure it took more time. But a week later, who was laughing? Me. At the space empty of weeds. I was the ripper that became a weeder.

And then next season, fewer weeds from the start and less stress.

As I’m me, I have pluck a life lesson from this. Sometimes it is about using just the right amount of power to get the job done. Sure, it may take more time at first, but you’re rewarded with more time later. And the beauty you were trying for in the first place lasts.