A Grounding

I love to hike, the quiet and stillness is what I crave at the end of a busy week. Recently I came upon this tree on a hike up by Holy Hill. 

This tree has found a way to survive, despite the erosion, elements, and the forces of nature.

While it has experienced some structural damage, look how it continues to reach and search for stability. The roots continually seeking something to hold on to. It still grows and thrives, despite its damage and search.

This tree does not see itself as damaged, it has not decided to not grow. It continues to grow and reach upward towards the sun, despite what it has endured. For fun I tried to push it over, but even with its perceived instability...the tree was strong and immovable. 

This tree does not make excuses for thriving. Thriving is the only option.

Living in an imperfect world, surrounded by imperfect people we all have a choice. Are we going to ground ourselves and find our stability or are we going to allow our hardships dictate how we thrive? Am I going to allow the hardships in my life dictate my ability to grow, to become all I am capable of becoming?

We can make excuses for not thriving; it's our hardships, it's feelings of insecurity, it's our circumstances. Or, we can keep ourselves grounded while attempting to thrive and reach new heights. You make the choice on what you will focus on...growth and thriving or perceived instability. 

What is your stability? What keeps you grounded and stable as things sometimes feel like they are eroding under your feet? When I lose sight of what grounds and roots me, I become overwhelmed and panic...I fail to thrive. 

We all have choices...my hope is that you discover your stability and thrive into the wonderful possibilities just waiting for you....