In life, the people we come across, as well as the formative experiences we have, play a crucial role in our growth as individuals. Think of yourself as a tree. All of those experiences you've been blessed to have, along with all of those obstacles you've had to overcome all serve as nutrients that have helped you grow through the mulch at your base. Some of those obstacles may have acted as that kid that walked up to you and obnoxiously started chipping away at your bark. It has grown back though, and you are still standing stronger than ever.

A imperative thing idea to keep in mind, is that your roots do not define you, what does define you is how you grow and develop despite them. It doesn't matter if you were malnourished and left unprotected in the elements as a stem, or if you were sheltered and watered every day. All that matters is that you keep your goals in mind and keep striving to become the majestically, well-aged tree you see in the national parks.

The people you have crossed paths with have served as either leaves or branches. It is sometimes difficult to determine which. Whether they were branches or leaves, they still grew with you at some point, as you in return helped them grow. If they were leaves, they stayed in your life for a couple seasons, and while doing so, they grew off of you and were a direct reflection of your health and character. They it was a mutual relationship until one day, you just drifted apart from each other. It was nothing personal, just nature.

The branches on the other hand, serve a much more monumental purpose in your life. Their relationship with you started as a small bud, but branched off of that foundation and created a network of smaller branches. It all started from you. These are the people that you should appreciate the most, as they will be around for a significantly longer amount of time. If you grew together properly, with a strong beginning, they could be there until the end, you'll rise together and fall together.

The most important thing to remember though, is to enjoy these people as best you can while they are apart of the structure that is your life, no matter if they are branches or leaves.