We can take so, so many important lessons from nature – especially trees. Trees are beautiful beings that we can learn so much from, and we take them for granted every day. You’re breathing right now. You should probably thank a tree for that every once in a while. Seriously. Call me a hippie tree hugger, but you should really try it sometime. Just go out and thank a tree because you wouldn’t be here without them.

Here are just a few lessons we can learn from our beautiful tree neighbors.

1. Take root for what you believe in.

Everyone has heard the saying: “Storms make trees take deeper roots.” Learn from the trees: your roots are your beliefs, and your beliefs make you who you are. Stand strong, don’t let anyone destroy your roots, and be who you are!

2. Change is beautiful.

Everything happens for a reason, and change is good. If trees never changed, we’d never have seasons.

3. Go out on a limb.

Sometimes you have to take risks in life. Sometimes they pay off, other times they don’t, but you will never know unless you try. Believe in yourself.

4. Be a shelter.

We are all in this together, and sometimes, we need a little help from our friends. Why not be that refuge for someone?

5. It’s OK to be different.

Our beauty is in our imperfections and variations. Life would be so boring if we were all the same! Be content with your own natural beauty.

6. Make the best of where you are.

Make the best of every situation. Fortunately, we can move, unlike trees. But find beauty in where you are and thrive there.

7. Give to others.

It's simple: be selfless.

8. Just breathe.

Slow down, and just enjoy life every once in a while. We live in a crazy world, and we don't relax as nearly as much as we should.

If you are interested in protecting forests and their critical ecosystems, consider a contribution to Stand For Trees, an amazing organization that is directly combatting climate change and forest destruction.