Sand, surf, tropical vacations— these are what we tend to think of when we see a palm tree. But have we ever really stopped to think about, or inquisitively investigate, a palm tree in its entirety?

Palm trees tend to stand out from their fellow tree peers. The difference in appearance could attribute to this, but for me, the difference is that the palm trees know how to embrace a relaxed and enjoyable kind of lifestyle.

Several times a day I find myself constantly rushing to get things accomplished. I’m a “list checker-offer” I guess you could say. I like to finish my tasks so I know I won’t have to worry about them later. However, the more and more time I have spent rushing, the more I have found myself reaping no rewards.

One day, while on a bus in Costa Rica, I looked out the window to the endless parade of palm trees lining the streets. I began to study their structure and made several mental notes. They are tall, skinny and erect standing trees with juxtaposed droopy and lazy leaves that gravity likes to take advantage of. Palm trees are truly something foreign and unique.

I began to realize these palm trees are a metaphor for life. Palm trees are not like other trees in the sense that they do not grow thicker, onlytaller. In life we should do the same. We should build on our previous accomplishments, learn along the way and rise to the next challenge.

Because of their inability to grow thicker, palm trees’ skinny support systems make them renowned for their flexibility. When the wind blows, they don’t put up a fight, they simply follow suit. Sort of like those car dealership blow up men. We must do the same.

I never thought I could find a guidance counselor in a tree, but the palm tree has provided me with much-needed advice that is especially useful while in my ripe college years.

Planning my future, making little choices every day that could ultimately lead me to an infinite amount of destinations and slowly but surely figuring out who I am as a person, college has helped me realize life is a struggle, but a beautiful one.

We must build up, not out, on our abilities to learn from life's curve balls, just like the trunks of the palm trees. We find comfort and relaxation in the moments when we realize gravity can sometimes pull us down, just like the leaves of the palm trees. We learn to accept. We learn to grow. We learn to reap the benefits of taking life for what it is.

This is "pura vida" or the "pure life" lifestyle all Costa Ricans pursue. It is this pure life that makes our journey on earth so prosperous. And, if a palm tree can master this, so can we!

Leafy, lofty and with love,

A recently discovered tree enthusiast