3 Years of Impact | The Responsibility of Water

What’s the true secret behind a thriving garden?

My People,

This weekend, I built a watering system for my patio garden—another step in my journey to automate and simplify the space around me. More than a time-saver, it became a lesson in efficiency and care. I repurposed the nutrient-rich water from my fish tanks and funneled it through a pump—normally used for outdoor fountains—connected to black tubing with small holes I punched by hand. The whole system is now on an Alexa timer, turning on for exactly one minute at just the right time.

What seemed like a simple DIY project ended up being more intricate than expected. The most time-consuming part was figuring out where and how to punch the holes in the tubing. Each container had different needs—based on the type of plant, the size of the container, and how much water each one required. Larger holes released more water, smaller holes less. I had to be thoughtful, mapping out the right amount for each plant. After a few rounds of tweaking, I got the proportions just right—and it worked. I had created a system. My garden could now water itself.

But this project also made me reflect. Water—this essential source of life—can both nourish and destroy. Too much, and the roots rot. Too little, and the plant withers. Every plant has different needs, and striking the right balance is key. That realization stayed with me.

At Messy Roots, we call our community space The Garden. It’s where people from around the world—coaches, leaders, seekers—gather to grow together. They take courses, share stories, support one another, and cultivate change in communities that need it most. Like plants in a garden, each person requires something unique. And the water—our coaching, our resources, our presence—must be delivered with care and precision. It’s not about flooding everyone with the same thing; it’s about discovering what each person needs to truly thrive.

I often tell my own coach that I feel more like a facilitator than anything else. I love watching people grow. I love the challenge of helping others find that ideal formula—that just-right stream of support that allows their coaching practice to flow with clarity and purpose. Once it clicks, it clicks.

For the past three years, we’ve been tending this garden. And in that time, we’ve watched brilliant, beautiful humans rise up and bloom. Our commitment at Messy Roots is to keep showing up—to keep learning the responsibility of being water. To recognize that water, though life-giving, must be offered with thoughtfulness and care. That’s what coaching requires. And that’s what community demands.

So here’s to three years of growth. Of service. Of global impact. I’ll see you in the garden.