deeply rooted

When you think of the word "strength," what is your initial thought? A time in your life? Your muscles in your body? A particularly difficult situation? This exact question was asked to a group of people that I was so privileged to be apart of the discussion with. Though the question may sound juvenile and cliche, I was struck by the response by one woman.

"A tree," she abruptly replied and elaborated her thought process.

Understanding her personality is vital in this response. This woman is happy and carefree the majority of the time as well as severely nature minded. She enjoys spending time surrounded by trees, flowers, and the sunshine; therefore, she has had plenty of time to discover what she enjoys in nature. This means her response was, in fact, well thought out and deeply rooted, itself.

She explains how strong the trunk of the tree is and how it can withstand much tension with weather. The roots of the tree, also, are just as strong, if not stronger, to hold up the massive structure. Additionally, the top of the tree holds strength as it, most likely, produces fruit of some sort, which provides nutrients and strength, itself, for living creatures.

Very insightful, yes, but it sparked a follow up thought in my head.

Strong. A tree is strong. But how many times have we heard stories of the most massive storms destroying old and strong trees. What happens then? Do they lose their strength?

Not according to me. Here's the thing:

Strength is relative and wavering. In order to grow in strength, what must you have to do? Fail. Pushing yourself to failure is the only way to grow in strength. Just the same, though, failure is relative and wavering, but one could argue that if it was a tree's purpose to stand and bear fruit, and it was destroyed and hindered in doing so, the tree has failed.

Continuing in my thought, I decided to Google a response question, like the stereotypical millennial that I identify with.

Can a tree grow back after being cut down? - And here's what I found:

"Even though you chop down a tree, however, it may grow back. In fact, some cut trees sprout quickly, depending on their type, root health and general growing conditions."

So, it turns out, the answer is yes. However, the roots cannot grow if the fruit/food on the tree aren't existent, so if the tree was not bearing fruit, then it is unlikely for it to re-grow. But what is interesting is if the tree has enough food produced before being cut down, it has just enough fuel for the roots to continue to grow and, in return, a sprout is grown. A new beginning.

(Fun fact: sprouts can also be called "suckers")

So what is this saying?

A tree is strong in it's life, yes, visibly so, but also strong in it's tense times and even death.

How encouraging to know that even during times that cut us down when we feel the least strong, that the fruit that we bore prior to the chaos can be strength enough for us to sprout again. Even nature knows that starting over really "sucks," but is sometimes necessary for growth in strength.

"Just let the pain remind you hearts can heal" - Hate To See Your Heart Break - Paramore

So I don't know what you're facing, what you have faced, or what you will face later, but there always room for growth - remember that. Keep deeply rooted and bearing as much fruit as you can out of any situation.

After all, it'll only make you stronger.