As part of my daily reading and writing, at some point, I came across the metaphor of the tree. What does a tree need to grow, stay healthy, and be productive? A tree needs healthy roots in good soil, along with constant care and pruning. A tree that is exposed to winds becomes sturdier, allowing it to grow taller.
To what end?
Visually, trees invoke a sense of steadiness. Take Old Senator – an Oak Tree in St. Augustine, Florida that is over 600 years old. Old Senator has weathered tropical storms and hurricanes, industrialization and urban sprawl; surrounded by benches, it has been and continues to be relied upon to shield travelers from the Florida sun.
A strong tree can represent leadership as it weathers adversity while remaining steady.
But for a tree to do all that, it must have good roots in good soil, feeding and nourishing it. Much like us. We must be sure we are surrounding ourselves with a supporting cast that will ensure we are moving in the right direction. That we are continuously learning and nourishing our sense of knowledge, branching out in all directions. We must use our knowledge and apply it to life, challenging ourselves by exposing ourselves to the winds, adapting where needed and staying the course when it is true.
To be an Oak Tree is to be constantly learning, trying, and giving of yourself to others.
The Oak Tree 