Back in November, my girlfriend and I went hiking at the Duke Estate in Hillsborough. We had a great time roaming around the property and seeing all of what used to be. I saw this particular monstrosity of a tree near the end of our walk and I was taken by it’s visible strength but also it’s odd shape.

Most trees grow straight up with an uncanny symmetry, but not this one. This tree grew almost entirely to the right. I can’t even imagine how heavy just one of those enormous branches would be. This tree should be falling over—but it’s not. It’s defying physics because of the trunk and the roots. It’s anchored firmly in the ground, so those branches can continue to reach for the sun.

Sometimes we are afraid to step outside of the normal. Sometimes we are afraid to consider the new or the unconventional. It scary, for sure. But we forget about how strong our “trunk” and our “roots” are—that’s where everything that makes us us resides. This tree wanted those branches to grow toward the sun, because it was good for the whole tree, it made the trunk and the roots stronger, too. What is the sun for you? Have you hesitated to grow toward it? Give some thought to how strong and resilient your trunk and your roots are. It’s time! And remember, the sun is good for every part of you.

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!

Beth Fitzgerald