I have had many hours of quiet over this past week, allowing me to have time for contemplation, day dreaming, reminiscence, and wistful pondering of all things good, bad, and in between. Roll with this little exercise for me....take a moment to visualize yourself as a deep rooted tree, full of life, full of branches, healthy and strong. 🌳 Some of you who know me, may have heard this idea before.
I feel there is a symbolism to the words "tree of life" and have used this symbolism throughout my journey. I picture myself as a strong and vibrant tree, the main trunk is me, body and soul, standing strong, healthy and proud of the beauty of it's life. The main branches of my tree are my loves, my husband, 3 kiddos, my sister and her husband, niece, nephew, cousins, aunts and uncles. They provide my foundation. There are a few saplings which no longer carry life but are still an important part of my tree, my parents and other family and friends who have left this earthly world too soon. The remaining branches on my tree are my friends, neighbors, doctors, and relationships I have formed throughout my life. These branches provide a robust, full, well rounded source of shelter, comfort, beauty, and growth. As I cross paths with new friends and old, a new set of branches will grow and continually fill out my tree of life so that one day, the branches will overflow and overlap with one another creating a visual image of strength and security.
I am not a huge granola type girl, sitting around a circle, smoking a peace pipe, and singing "Kumbya" - and if you are a believer in all of those things - that's totally cool, I mean no offense, honest to God, hand to Bible. I think the analytical side of me takes over and doesn't allow me the liberty and freedom to live a more hippie free lifestyle - maybe something for me to add to one my future detours on my journey. I am a work in progress and always willing to learn. Anyhow, I digress, I do believe in the power of visualization. Sometimes it works for me and sometimes not so much. But I try to keep this image of a strong, healthy tree in my minds eye throughout my days and it's something I would love for you to try as well.
We all have good and bad days, we all feel alone at some point in our lives or simply lonely. Whether it be due to illness or frenzied life, we can somehow begin to feel isolated without anyone isolating us or having a specific incident which causes us to retreat. It is at these times when seeing that image of a strong and healthy tree in your mind will help you remember you are not alone, never alone. One of the hardest actions for people is reaching out to someone for help or just to talk. No one wants to impose or seem weak. What I have been humbled to learn throughout my life, is the concept of helping one another is innate. For me, I would not be sitting here without the unbelievable help of others - some called upon and some who simply helped because they are of a giving nature. These acts of love and kindness watered my tree and allowed for new blooms and branches.
In the society we live in, busy, chaotic, hurried, we should always pause when reading a Facebook or Instagram post, catching that quick text or call, or chat at the end of the driveway and be present in the life of the person on the other end. It's hard, I know, we all have too much shit going on, I am as guilty of this as the next and need this reminder myself. Sometimes, that pause is all everyone needs....it can remind someone they are not alone, it can give them the courage to ask for help, it can simply be what they need at that moment. It also allows us to grow a branch on someone's tree for it is as important for us to provide growth as it is to need growth.
For my faithful friends who helped me last night....thank you. It is never easy to ask but I believe in the power of karma....what we put out in the world is what we will reap. You my darlings, will receive blessings for your simple acts of kindness. 👼 And no worries....nothing tragic going on....just a thrown out back, more nuisance than anything but definitely hindered my ability to be as funcationable as I would like..
Take this reminder and tuck it in a corner of your mind so as not to forget. What a beautiful image we can create with a forest full of grand, full, colorful foliage on an infinite number of trees. 🌳🎕💮
Peace. ✌
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