Lessons from a Tree

Like a tree, we are composed of many growth rings.  

Together, they form our human existence.  

The present is that outer layer ~ the now.

However, we are built upon those many layers of the past.

We can move on and grow, but we carry all of them along with us.

Some are layers of dead wood and not useful,

While others are vibrant and still necessary for our well-being.

They say that a tree never heals, but rather

It builds protective layers over its wound.

It compartmentalizes the hurt and creates a productive life around the wound. 

It may grow to be a very grand tree, but it will always carry that scar.

It does not try to hide it, but wears it in plain sight as if to say, 

I have been hurt in the past, but I have overcome.

I am a survivor.

We should all live our lives like a tree…

This was written in response to a lesson on the resiliency of trees given by an Arboricultural student for the Bristol Aggie Fall Show