“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, my mother used to tell me, as she watched me with some perplexity while I painstakingly painted Twiggy eyelashes around my eyes. “Oh mom,” I would sigh in my most grown-up voice at the venerable age of 16. What did she know about beauty? She who never wore any make-up and had short cropped white hair. Now when I conjure her face, with her twinkling blue eyes, I think of it as the most beautiful in the world. And I am sure she could still look past my ridiculous war paint and find me beautiful. Such is the power of love.
If a tree is beautiful, but it is not seen or appreciated, is it still beautiful? The act of seeing another with mindful presence is such a gift of love. As we become tired and worn out by the trials of everyday life, we too often forget to look at the people around us with a loving regard. Somehow this becomes particularly poignant when it comes to the people we are closest to, the ones we are most familiar with, the ones we expect to accept us, warts and all.
As I work with couples who have been ground down by the day to day chores, ongoing stress and the complexities of life, I wonder if it all boils down to this simple but powerful act of seeing with love. In order to see with love and compassion, we have to let love touch us and open our hearts. The incredible thing is that it is always there, waiting – like the Beloved that Rumi references in so much of his poetry.
This is a private but universal moment that can transform you in an instant. It feels like it comes from outside of you – in the twinkle of a stranger’s smile, the beauty of a tree, the softness of a baby’s skin or the warm intelligence in an animal’s eyes. But in that very instant, there is a reciprocal opening in your heart. Notice that golden moment and guard that beauty in your heart. The next time you look or speak to your partner, bring the gift of that golden openness to your touch, your words, your seeing. You might be very surprised how transformative that moment can be.
Keep walking, though there’s no place to get to. Don’t try to see through the distances, That’s not for human beings. Move within, but don’t move the way fear makes you move.
Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened. Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument. Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
Hey there! I’ve been thinking about writing this post for a while now, and today I’m gonna break down one of those classic English expressions that perfectly captures that feeling when things just aren’t as exciting as they used to be. You know what I’m talking about – “the bloom is off the rose.”
What Does This Expression Actually Mean?
Let me tell ya, this phrase is all about that moment when something loses its initial charm or appeal. It’s like when you get a new phone – at first, it’s amazing and perfect, but after a few months, you start noticing little things that bug you, and it’s just… not as special anymore.
The Basic Breakdown:
- Original meaning: Refers to an actual rose losing its fresh, vibrant petals
- Metaphorical meaning: Something/someone has lost its:
- Novelty
- Freshness
- Appeal
- Excitement
Real-Life Examples Where The Bloom is Off the Rose
1. Relationships
We’ve all been there! That initial butterflies-in-your-stomach phase doesn’t last forever
- The exciting first dates become routine dinner nights
- Those cute habits become slightly annoying
- Netflix and chill becomes just… Netflix
2. Career Situations
Here’s what it might look like at work
- That dream job doesn’t feel so dreamy anymore
- The cool startup culture starts feeling like any other corporate environment
- Your once-exciting projects become mundane tasks
3. Business Context
In the business world, this phrase often pops up when:
- A hot new product loses its market appeal
- Customer interest in a service declines
- A trending industry starts showing signs of slowdown
When Do We Use This Phrase?
Let me share some common scenarios where you might drop this phrase
Situation 1: "After four years at my dream company, I hate to say it, but the bloom is off the rose. I'm starting to look for new opportunities."Situation 2: "Remember how excited everyone was about virtual reality? Well, the bloom is off the rose now - people aren't as hyped anymore."Tips for When You Notice the Bloom is Off Your Rose
-
Don’t Panic! It’s totally normal for things to lose their initial sparkle
-
Evaluate the Situation
- Is it temporary?
- Can you reignite the excitement?
- Maybe it’s time for a change?
-
Take Action
- Try new approaches
- Set fresh goals
- Sometimes, walking away is OK too!
The Silver Lining
Here’s something interesting – when the bloom is off the rose, it’s not always a bad thing! Sometimes it means:
- You’re seeing things more realistically
- You can make better decisions without the initial excitement clouding your judgment
- There’s room for something new to grow
My Personal Take
I remember when I first started blogging – everything was exciting and new! But honestly? Sometimes the bloom comes off the rose for me too. That’s when I mix things up, try new topics, or take a short break. It’s all part of the journey!
The Bottom Line
Understanding “the bloom is off the rose” helps us recognize and deal with those moments when things just aren’t as shiny and new anymore. It’s a natural part of life, relationships, and business. The key is knowing how to handle it when it happens!
Quick Reference Table:
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Bloom | Everything is new and exciting |
| Fading Bloom | Starting to lose its appeal |
| Bloom Off | The excitement is gone |
| New Growth | Time for fresh opportunities |
Wrapping It Up
So there ya have it! Next time you’re feeling like something’s lost its magic, remember – it’s totally normal for the bloom to come off the rose sometimes. What matters is how you handle it and what you do next!
Have you ever experienced this in your life? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your stories about times when the bloom came off your rose and how you dealt with it!
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more deep dives into interesting expressions and their meanings!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
About the Author: Margaret Mikkelborg
The Fading Beauty: Understanding “Bloom off the Rose”
FAQ
What does the Bloom is off the Rose mean?
The romantic, perfect image has wilted away. The idiom “the bloom is off the rose” employs a metaphor comparing the fading of a rose’s bloom or flower to the deterioration of beauty, love or passion. This phrase was in use as early as the 16th century.
Is the ‘blood of the Rose’ off the Rose?
Outside of Britain, too, the bloom is off the rose. Mrs. Thatcher had a warm relationship with President Ronald Reagan, but her standing with President Bush is less certain. The bloom is off the rose concerning the imperial CEO. Finally shareholders are becoming incensed by these reprehensible bonuses and severance packages.
What does “the Bloom has faded from the Rose” mean?
While its meaning remains consistent, different cultures and regions may have their own unique ways of expressing this idea. One common variation is “the bloom has faded from the rose”, which carries the same connotation of something losing its initial charm or appeal.
What is a rose idiom?
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 19th century when roses were considered a symbol of beauty and perfection. However, as time passed, people realized that even roses wither away and lose their bloom eventually. This idiom can be used in different situations where something loses its initial allure. For example:
What does take the bloom off mean?
take the bloom off, to remove the enjoyment or ultimate satisfaction from; dampen the enthusiasm over: The coach’s illness took the bloom off the team’s victory. the bloom is off (the rose), the excitement, enjoyment, interest, etc., has ended or been dampened.
Who said ‘the Bloom is off the Rose’?
In a 1597 poem by Edmund Spenser: “But ah, sweete Rose, not long shall be, the bloom which now is off the tree.” In a 1616 poem by Ben Jonson: “Now withers all the rose, the bloom is gone.” By the 19th century, the phrase evolved into the modern version “the bloom is off the rose” that we know today.