Just as the withering branches of a tree in winter are eventually replenished by the rains of a new spring, you are an ever-changing organism whose needs and desires are sculpted and cycled as often as the changes of seasons.
Sometimes creativity seeps from your soul, your mind bursting with ideas and notions that excite you endlessly. Other times, an ominous grey cloud lurks in your head space, overshadowing each thought that creeps into your mind. Either way, neither the feelings of elated optimism or utter despair will persist forever. In this complex human life, change is imminent, but whether you utilize that change as growth is up to you.
I like to think that humans can learn a lot from trees. I have. Growing up in Michigan, I am no stranger to the seemingly endless melancholy of a ruthless winter. Nor am I a stranger to trees, as they were among some of my most valuable friends and teachers growing up. From trees, I learned the importance of staying rooted. I watched from my bedroom window as the fierce winter winds contorted them into impossible angles, branches all flailing, snapping, and blowing. However, never did they uproot. Never did the trauma of winter abuse them so badly that the damage became permanent. Come spring, they sprouted their thick coats of blossoms once again and they filled the air with their candied scent.
This is also applicable to the human condition. The wear and tear of modern life take a mighty toll on love, lust, creativity, and passion. Stress and anxiety can begin to build, clustering and assembling into a mighty wind that threatens our sanity as it stands. It's times like these when we must remember our roots — our source of strength. We all have them. Muster the courage to face the wind. Stand up to it. It will assuredly batter you around a bit, but, in the end, your roots will catch you before you fall. You are stronger than you think and just when you feel as if your branches may snap, know that the promise of new spring is imminent.
Humans have much to learn from nature, as it has persisted in this universe for much longer than we have. Personally, the idea of having roots to steady me in times of hardship is both calming and empowering. It's imperative that we begin to understand that we aren’t nearly as frail as we often perceive ourselves to be. We are trees dancing in an unforgiving wind. At times, we are knocked around by the random forces of nature, but we are ultimately stronger than the things that attempt to hurt us.
During a time at the University of Michigan when mental health is being brought to the forefront, I can only wish that these words will inspire hope in at least one person. You are stronger than you think. Life will try to bring you down, but don't let it. Find strength in your roots and let it carry you onward.
