photo credit: Per Ola Wiberg (Powi)
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” ~ Maya Angelou
See that tree? Majestic, isn’t it! From years of growth and care, it’s grown into a large and and very special tree.
“Money doesn’t grow on trees” ~ Proverb
You’ve probably heard that saying before. Money’s not just going to fall off a tree, like leaves in the autumn season. Today, we’re going to look at this with a slightly different lens. Maybe, just maybe…money DOES grow on trees. Maybe this tree we’re seeing up above can provide us with some lessons, some insight into riches, and what that means to us. These are challenging times we’re in today. Maybe you’ve lost a job, or had hours cut back. Maybe you’ve taken a pay cut. Maybe you work on your own, and finding new clients is difficult. Then again, maybe it’s all good right now. Maybe you’ve recently taken a new job you really love, or been promoted where you currently are at. Maybe you’ve just landed a lucrative contract in something you believe strongly in. Maybe you’ve just ventured out onto your own, and are steadily adding clients and increasing your confidence. All of this is happening today, just as this happens on any given day — irregardless of the economy around us. In the ebb and flow of life, there are ups and there are downs. Let’s look at this in relation to the trees we have in our life, and see if we can’t understand it a little bit better. The Trees In The Forest Of Our Life
- Seeds: Trees start out as seeds (or maybe sometimes from a nut). This seed is planted in the soil, is watered, and begins to grow. In nature, several seeds get planted naturally, and many grow, although not all of them do. Life Lesson: Seeds. The ideas we have. The things we go about doing. That which we try. We might plant one, or we might plant several seeds. Some may grow, and some may not. Some things we do won’t continue to resonate with us, and we’ll move on. Others will. The bottom line in all of it, though, is this tree will never grow if we don’t at least plant the seed — if we don’t at least try this thing we’ve been thinking about.
- Saplings: We’ve planted our seed. And our tree is beginning to grow. We have a sapling. A small tree. Not fully able to protect itself from the world around it. It might take a little more care on our part to nurture it as it continues to grow. And sometimes growth might seem slow, especially above the surface, in what we see. Life Lesson: Our ideas begin to grow, or the work we’re doing starts to produce results. Or the college classes we’re taking begin to make sense. What started as a seed, as a thought — is beginning to grow into something. A sapling. Still small, although we’re seeing growth.
- Roots: While above the surface, our tree is slowly getting bigger and stronger — under the surface it’s the roots that are really doing the growing. They’re spreading out in many directions, giving our tree a strong base on which to stand. Life Lesson: We have this idea that is growing into something. Or we have a job that we’re getting better at and seeing results. Or a myriad of other possibilities. Slowly we’re seeing that sapling grow a bit bigger. Under the surface, though, is where we can make the biggest impact. What are we creating as roots for ourselves? These roots can be many things. Continuing education, creating an emergency fund, saving for retirement, investing in stocks or mutual funds, developing relationships with others, learning new skills — just a few of the many possibilities we can have as roots in this tree, which is part of the forest of our life we’re creating. The key is that we create several roots, to give us a strong base on which to support our tree.
- Storms: Life might not always be easy for our tree. Wind. Hail. Lightning. Tornadoes. Animals. Man. All of these could harm our trees. Storms of nature, animals chewing off part of the tree, or man cutting the tree down. Any of this happening could cause our tree to either be slowed in its growth, or to cease being completely. That’s why having several trees gives us more opportunity to have a few of the large majestic trees in the end. Life Lesson: We will have storms in our life. The wind will blow. Other people may challenge what we’re doing. Some of our trees may not survive — much like a business closing or a company downsizing — some things in our life just might not work out how we’d planned they would. The stock market might crash just before you’re getting ready to take your money out. We might sustain some illness or injury that creates large medical bills. We might decide there’s a tree in our life that isn’t healthy, and cut it down. Storms in our life. They will be there. If we’ve planted several trees, and created roots in many directions — then we are prepared to face these storms. If everything is invested in one tree — then you may face real and serious problems. Having several trees in our forest of life gives us more options should some storm cause damage on one of our trees. And with roots in many directions throughout the trees in our forest, we are ready when the storms come.
- Growth: The storms also bring rain. And followed with sunshine, and good soil, our trees will grow. Life Lesson: We’ll have storms, as we’ve seen. These storms also bring us growth opportunities. And when the sun comes back out in our life, which it will, our trees will grow. In growth that we’ll see, above the surface. We’ll be reaching new heights, and making wiser decisions. And this sapling in our forest of life will begin to become a tree which starts to provide much, whose branches are filled with leaves — leaves of opportunity!
- Majestic Tree: We’ve went through the life cycle of our trees. Many have now grown to great heights. It hasn’t happened overnight. It’s taken time and effort to get here. And now that we are, we have this wonderful tree, large, providing much beauty in our world. Life Lesson: Growing these trees in the forest of our life will not happen overnight. It will take our time and effort. However, as we keep at it, as we continue to nurture and grow what matters in our life, these trees will become large and majestic in our forest — our forest of life.
Where’s the Money? If we do all this, and especially if we do all this while listening to our heart — then the money is the fruit on these trees we’ve grown and nurtured in our forest of life. This fruit, this money, will come if we continue to care for the trees in our life and if we give them a strong base upon which to grow. And if we have many trees in our forest, then we are prepared should a storm come and damage any of them. Money indeed CAN grow on trees, the trees in the forest of our life. And what we get from these trees, what they produce, is a direct result of the time and effort we put in to growing and nurturing them.
In the forest of your life, do you have a lush forest with many trees? Do you need to plant some new ones? Or maybe even get rid of some that you have? This is your forest, your life — take care of it and riches will come. And remember also that not all riches come in the form of money…
Do what makes you happy, be it going back to school to become a pharmacy tech or just following your dream!
Lance,
This was an amazing post. Every parapgraph had meaning, from seeds to saplings to storms… I loved every sentence. I’ve just come through a bit of a storm myself so I really appreciated how you seem to be able to tap into people’s feelings and address them directly and helpfully. You’ve reminded me why I’m such a big fan of yours! Post is Stumbled.
Daphne´s last blog post..Free eBook of Personal Creeds
Yaayyy.….I’m the first one! I missed the sunday thought for the day,but I didn’t miss this. Great quote in the beginning. After doing what I love ( fitness ) an offer came to work as PR for LifeFitness. A big change for a teacher like me.
All the storms shall pass eventually…
suddenly slimmer´s last blog post..The Greatest Wealth
GREAT POST LANCE…I find myself writing that to you with every post. You’re inspiring thoughts are very enriching in my life!
Taking this to heart! It’s so true that you fertilize something and it grows to be something so beautiful! THANKS!
Rupal´s last blog post..Re-charge YOUR battery this Spring!
Lance — I LOVE this analogy! I’ve always loved analogies! When I was a little girl, my dad would take me for long hikes in the mountains and he would always relate various things about life, to nature… just like you did in this post. Reading this post, reminded me about the peace and simple lessons we can learn from the beauty of God’s creations that are all around us! Thank you! This post also helped answer some questions that have been swirling around in my head lately and I feel like it was no coincidence that I read your post this morning!
Liz Rosenbaum´s last blog post..Low Calorie, High Protein Lunch Idea
great post today
So much meaning in your posts ALWAYS! I just have to tell you Lance the you really seem to have a grip on reality and all things positive. Thanks for your reminders to look at things in a different light.
Annette´s last blog post..Sunnier Days
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” ~ Maya Angelou
I love this quote. Thanks, Lance!
Have a great rest of the week!!
Jewel/Pink Ink´s last blog post..Spoiled Rotten
How wonderful! I love that it applies to money and I’m encouraged, but let’s also apply this principal to growing personally in other ways, and spiritually in our Christian walk. And let’s not forget to apply this to our family relationships. I’m printing this out and will discuss it with my older children tonight. Thank you!
Yum Yucky´s last blog post..Radio Poll Has Absurd Results
Love that quote by Maya Angelou. Thanks for another great post!
Blake´s last blog post..The Fifth Third Burger
Great post. This post has many applications. All too often we dream about the majestic and fear the storms, keeping us from ever getting started. It’s never too late to plant the seed.
Mark Lewis´s last blog post..Best Ways to Lose Weight
Something I love about trees is that you never really know what the end result will be. You plant a seed, and you watch it grow, and even if you know what kind of tree it will be, you don’t know exactly how it’ll look. Every tree is different and unique. And there’s the possibility for so many different ways that it can grow.
Sagan´s last blog post..Interpretations of Marketing Strategies: Hidden Information
Any negative conditioning can be reversed from the moment a human being recognizes it is misplaced. You create and dissolve your own illusions.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..5 Ways to respond to the inner mystic
Love it. I’ve always been a tree hugger and lover. Also growing up on a produce farm and working in fields I’ve always appreciated the fruits of nature.
I will take Maya’s advice and make my bolg so good people won’t be able to take their eyes off of it. I have a ways to go!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..10 Rules for a Bold & Daring Life
Hi Lance: What an interesting post! You’re absolutely right: you take your idea, you plant the seed, you take care of the soil, make sure it gets sunlight and water, protect your little plant during bad weather, and then suddenly your idea has blossomed into a majestic tree with money growing on every branch. Love it
Marelisa´s last blog post..Creative Insights From the Worldwide Web
Great analogy. Like life challenges for us, storms can actually help trees adapt and make them stronger for it. There are trees on the coastal parts here in Australia that bend with the strong winds and start to grow in that direction so when the next storm hits they are better able to withstand it. Thanks Lance!
Sami´s last blog post..The Daisy List: #42. Get Into Shape
Lance, this whole post blew me away. You are an amazing thinker.
We literally had a maple sapling in Canada I was dreading trimming back branches on — but once I did, the whole thing grew more in one year than it had in its first three!
Money, you only need so much, eh? And what’s the good of scads of it if you’re not taking time to see the forest for the trees?
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Ukulele Video
Lance this is a brilliant piece! This is very true for me. I am like a tree…I am taking a long time to grow…lol. But I will get there one day. I need to read this again…actually, I think I will print this out and keep it. Thank you!
Caroline´s last blog post..It’s time to go away for awhile…
Inspiring. LOVED the metaphor. Gosh, Lance, you write so well. Me? I think I need to get rid of a few trees actually.:)
Vered — MomGrind´s last blog post..Suffering For Beauty
Some tree seeds will not germinate until a fire has swept over them. This is like life many times. It takes a fire in our lives to germinate our creativity and ideas to grow new actions.
Usually we don’t make many life changing decisions if we are comfortable. It is when times get tough that we get up and move forward. I respect those who move forward without being uncomfortable about something in their life. They do it just for the challenge and adventure.
Lance, this is absolutely beautiful. I love the analogies — all the lessons. This is just so beautifully worded. And you’ve got me thinking — thinking esp. about the thought of planting several trees… I really like the thought of our roots growing as the tree grows. The growth we experience provides stronger and stronger foundations for us to use in life — in other areas, in all areas. Off to do a little pondering…
Again Lance, an absolutely beautiful post!
Jennifer´s last blog post..Want to Make a Difference?
As a former organically grown plant nursery owner and avid gardener I can especially appreciate this post. Keep up the good work… Thanks!
Boris´s last blog post..Free Love Web 2.0 Style!
Ive read this a few times already as Im in a place of crazyhectic planting
when perhaps I should be focusing on tending only one sapling? two?
(see? thats why I didnt comment the first time
still mulling & all coming together in my mind)
Miz´s last blog post..Hungry Girl’s New Book: Sneak Peek & Giveaway (video post)
@Daphne — Thank you, very much, Daphne. Your support is so appreciated! That you’ve just come through a storm of your own — know that I hope only the best for you in this — and that you’re coming out of it with much hope.
@Suddenly Slimmer — Hi Alia. Maybe the PR for LifeFitness is another tree — and is this the kind of tree you want in your life? A question only you can truly answer. Listen to your heart, Alia. It knows…
@Rupal — Seriously, Rupal, I don’t have a problem with what you’re saying!! Well, you’re giving me a big head — although I okay with that too (my wife…she may get a bit annoyed, though, after a while…). And fertilizer on our tree — you’re like fertilizer — everything you sprinkle your goodness on grows a little more beautifully…
@Liz — Hi Liz! I happen to love analogies too (althogh, maybe you guessed that!)! Your father sounds very wise, and what a great way for the two of you to connect. We are surrounded by much beauty, and that beauty really can speak to us — if we’re open to listening. I’m glad you were here and reading, and thank you for sharing part of your journey.
@Annette — Hi Annette. Thank you! For all that you’re saying, I’m humbled by your words. You’ve got a great forest with many wonderful trees, Annette — keep being you!
@Jewel — That quote is great, isn’t it! As soon as I read it, I knew that’s what I would use. You too, enjoy the rest of your week, as well.
@Yum Yucky — Hi Josie! I love what you’re bringing up here — that this can be applied in so many areas of our life — and it’s not just about money. Spiritually, personally, professionally, family life — it works in all these areas, and that’s pretty awesome — thanks much!!
@Blake — Thanks much!
@Mark Lewis — Thanks for stopping by! I think a real key you’ve hit upon is that it’s never too late to plant the seed — important to remember! Otherwise, it becomes too easy to say “I’m too old” or “I’m not smart enough” or “It’s too scary”, or any other number of possibilities.
@Sagan — Hi Sagan! I love the point you’re making, about how each tree is different, just like each of these trees in our life are different — no two will be the same — making life full of possibilities! Thanks much for this!
@Liara — Hi Liara. Illusions. Yes, they are created by us. And it’s us who also has to remove them. Part of the roots in our trees of life…
@Tess — Hi Tess! So, you grew up on a produce farm. I’m sure you have a real appreciation, then, for the idea of what we sow is what we reap. I think that’s a key point too, is that these trees, or produce, won’t grow with time and care. Just like our lives won’t grow without that same time and care.
@Marelisa — Hi Mare. Blossomed — what a great word here! Just like that tree with it’s blossoms, that can be us too, if we do all these things, and riches will be abundant!
@Sami — Hi Sami. Yes, that’s a fantastic point, and great example. Like the trees of coastal Australia, we too can bend in the direction of the winds blowing at us, so that we don’t blow over. And in it all, we do become stronger. And ready for the next storms that will come in. Thanks for sharing this example Sami!
@Jannie — Hi Jannie! You’re an amazing writer, because you really are making me feel all sorts of good right now! So, your example of the maple you trimmed back — like in life — sometimes we have so much going on, that we aren’t doing anything to our best ability. And that’s a good time to trim back the branches, to let a few things go — so that we can grow more fully in what matters deeply. And money — yes — if we have lots, but are stuck just on our tree (self-centered, conceited, etc), then that money is a crutch in our life. Jannie — thank you — this is good stuff!
@Caroline — Thanks much Caroline! You are not giving yourself enough credit, and I mean that. If we compare ourselves to trees, you are one of those majestic ones in the forest. You’ve been well cared for…
@Vered — Hi Vered. Thank you, very much! Getting rid of some of the trees in our life — this can be hard, as we become attached to them. Yet, they can also be holding us back from truly reaching our higher self. Good for you in recognizing this.
@Laurie — Hi Laurie. The “fires” in our life…yes, these do awaken us — or are much more likely to awaken us. It does oftentimes take “uncomfortable” event to bring about life-altering changes. I’d like to think this can happen while we’re comfortable too, and I believe it can. However, I know also that what you’re saying is very true — it’s much harder to change when we’re “comfortable”.… Great point Laurie, thanks much!
@Jennifer — Hi Jennifer. Thank you. You are brightening my day, very much! The planting of several “trees” in our life — I see this as trying things out that we might want to do. Some will grow into very large and special trees in our life, while others, we’ll get rid of. The thing is, if we never plant that tree, if we never try that thing we’ve thought about, then we’ll never experience what could have become a large and beautiful tree in our life. Jennifer, I appreciate you and your thoughts here always…
@Boris — Hi Boris, thank you for stopping by. To the whole idea of gardening, this post fits right in line with that. Great to have you here today!
@Miz — Hi Miz! Oh, you bring up an excellent point. If we plant too many sapling in our life forest — all of a sudden, we’re caring for so many, that none of them gets a real focus. There’s a fine line between too many and too few in that forest of ours… You’ve got me really thinking on this one too…
Lance, a truly beautiful post. Thank you. I am busy planting trees at the moment and mostly my garden is busy growing and flourishing. One tree is not as strong right now, but I’m heaping fertilizer on it and moving it to the sunny parts of the garden. I’m hoping for the best, but one tree does not a garden make. I try to remember that when I feel down about it.
I think the seeds analogy works also for planting yourself into all the areas of life — family, friends, interests, health, career, travel. You can’t plant one seed, for example career, and expect to have a complete garden. It’s an impossibility. The best this strategy will ever reap you is one strong tree in a very empty yard.
Kelly@SHE-POWER
There are many lessons we can learn from trees. I enjoyed the example of the storms. We all face tough times in our lives, especially in this economic climate. The more we cut back and really understand what’s important the smarter we get.
I think the most important thing for me is to find things in my life that I appreciate and focus on those things instead of what I wish I had.
Karl — Work Happy Now´s last blog post..Hire Personalities That Fit Your Company
Beautiful analogy! I enjoyed the post very much as I have a fascination for trees myself. I used to draw them when I was young. More recently, I develop an interest in photographing them. My take is that each tree tells a different story. It is unique in every way. It has weathered through storms and grown strong roots to be standing where it is. Each trunk and branch has etchings which represent the lines of age. The fruits that it bear may be sweet but it came from the manure of life. Leaves may be aplenty but each contributes a part to the beauty of the tree.
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..Visualize Your Dream House
What a fantastic post, Lance!!
Trees have always been my friend, from climbing them as a child, to being awestruck with the Redwoods.
Bravo!!
Dr. J´s last blog post..Dr. J on doctors and mechanics
Beautiful post! I love using metaphors and you certainly excel at that in your writing. I also think that we can learn so much from observing nature and we both seem to incorporate that into our blogs. I think it’s cool ithat trees don’t worry or compare themselves to one another — something we seem to do a lot and much to our detriment. Does an oak tree whine that he really wanted to be a birch? Or did that oak tree ever wonder about what step to take next in his growth? Nature has a knowing, a peaceful, silent knowing. That oak knows his purpose and isn’t concerned about what the other trees are doing, or who is providing the most leaves for shade. In the quiet, present moment experiences I try to incorporate into my day, I sometimes can tap into a tiny piece of that knowing for myself — it’s there if we really listen. The trees in my garden are there to remind me of that — what a blessing!
I’m glad money doesn’t grow on trees — I’d fear greed would strip the planet of them!
suzen´s last blog post..What Would Google Do? by Jeff Jarvis
Really lovely post — thought-provoking and hopeful — thank you!
As you say, just like the tree we require time to tend to our goals/dreams and, with a bit of work here and more attention there, we grow and become what we are meant to be. It doesn’t happen overnight; it happens over time.
Laurie | Express Yourself to Success´s last blog post..Criticism and Feedback Aren’t the Same
Hi Lance,
I love the idea of the planting seeds. Most of the time people fail to achieve results in life because they do not plant as much seeds as others. It is a law of nature. Not all seeds will grow into a sapling and if we want to increase our rate of success, all we need to do is to just plant more seeds.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Vincent´s last blog post..What Is The Meaning Of Your Name?
Lance, this was fantastic. I loved the tree as a metaphor for life.
“However, as we keep at it, as we continue to nurture and grow what matters in our life, these trees will become large and majestic in our forest — our forest of life.”
I recently heard a comparison of people to trees that went something like this. Whereas trees always struggle and fight for the space and sun to grow to their maximum potential height, we humans most often choose to not grow to our potential heights.
You’ve given us a wonderful growth lesson in how to reach our maximum height. Great job!
Stephen — Rat Race Trap´s last blog post..Positivity Leads to a Flourishing Life
I know it wasn’t your purpose to transport me back to my childhood but you did. When I was a kid my grandpa would throw money up into a tree and I would scurry around gathering the fallen loot off the ground. I loved that money tree.
Lisa’s Chaos´s last blog post..Well Connected
Great photo, Angelou quote and tree analogy! I like what you said about seeds being like ideas or things that we try. And that we might plant several and they won’t all necessarily grow, but it’s the planting that is important. This way we can test how things work for us, so we know where to focus our energy.
Diane C.´s last blog post..Music in the Canyon
Hi Lance
This is a fantastic post, one of you best post that I have read. I love the life lessons. I heard the “Money doesn’t grow trees” before. And I always say,“Money does grow on trees that are beening farmed and worked on.”
Thank you, I really enjoyed this one. Stumbled!
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Giovanna Garcia´s last blog post..Knowledge is not power, Knowledge with Action is.
I’m on the same page as MizFit on this one. Constantly planting, never nurturing. Until recently when I saw a project to completion. And just like your analogy…it started small, got painful in the middle and I know will end up a gem! Great analogy. I think it’s important, too, to realize that sometimes the storms “tear down our limbs”. But in the end, there is a reason…get rid of the “dead weight” to make room for the new. This IS how life happens.
Lance, this made me cry tears of joy! Running my mission is my dream and my life. It’s my tree and although it is small now, but producing wonderful results one day it will grow and flourish in its beauty.
You have created the Biggest smile upon my face and have given me a little extra Hope in my mission.
God Bless
Tabitha´s last blog post..Wishcasting Wednesday
I’m not sure where you get your inspiration, but I’m always impressed with your posts. I really like how you pulled everything together.
Great post!
–Dustin
Happiness Is Better´s last blog post..10 Things to Look for in a Mentor
Oh, Lance!
This is an enriching post! How you guide us through each step is so succint! I especially like what you said about having a forest! Thank you for the gift of you!:~)
“Cultivate well the work that is planted in your heart and the rest will follow!” ~Henie~
Henie´s last blog post..Chris Brogan Can Dance! Bryan Elliot Can Sing! #scas
Great analogy, Lance. So true. Right now I have a few trees I need to get rid of and replace with new ones. I may give the new ones some Miracle Gro since I put off planting them for too long.
FatFighterTV´s last blog post..Food for Thought: Don’t get fooled
Hello Lance! This is a very inspiring article and it really helps motivate me to care for my saplings (growing ideas). When our seeds (ideas) begin to grow, we should really care for and protect them. To be sure, the storms will come to assail our little saplings, but they will only make for stronger trees and the fruit more precious. Thanks again for the uplifting article.
Keith´s last blog post..Programming The Ultimate Computer
I love this analogy!!!
I am printing this out and keeping it in my inspiration file.
brandi´s last blog post..kindred
@Kelly — Hi Kelly. Thanks, so much! You’ve weaved a story beautifully — and what a profound statement to end it — “but one tree does not a garden make” — how true. Keep doing what you have to Kelly for that one tree, and if it’s meant to be — it will all work out. Yes, I focused on more of a financial side, however this can very much be applied in so many areas of our life. And wow — your last statement is so telling of why this is a forest — do you want to be just one tree, out in a very empty yard? Kelly, there is so much clarity in this whole comment, thank you!
@Karl — Hi Karl. We’ll all face storms in our lives. Today, yes, maybe more people than usual are facing some of them. Focusing on what’s really important to us — what are the trees we want in our forest — is a great point. Thanks Karl.
@Evelyn — Hi Evelyn, and thank you! Oh, great thought about every tree being unique. Just like each of us, and everything we do — is unique. We are all different, and even if some of us have the same goals and aspirations — they are still uniquely ours, especially in how we let them into our soul.
@Dr. J — Hi Dr. J! Thank you. I used to climb trees, and now it’s my kids who do that! The Redwoods, although I have not personally visited them, have to be an awesome site — and that’s just how our trees of life can become if we listen to our heart and deeply believe…
@Suzen — Thank you, Suzen! Nature is for me, something I’m drawn to, much like you are. Ah, worry and comparison — two things we’re way to familiar with — and getting away from that — how freeing this can be. What a great example of thinking about an oak wanting to be a birch — it just doesn’t happen. Suzen, you have very much a grounding effect here, reminding me that each tree has a purpose, and in the depth of our being — we know what the purposes are for the trees in our life. We just need to listen to what we are saying to ourselves. Thank you for all of this, my friend.
@Laurie/Express Yourself to Success — Thank you Laurie! Yes, like a tree growing, it doesn’t happen overnight. It take time and care of our trees of life to reach the majestic tree in our forest…
@Vincent — Hi Vincent. Plant many seeds, which to me says — try many things. Then find those that matter most to you, and nurture and grow them. These are the ones that have the most meaning, and will have the most impact on our lives, and the lives of others. And that is a beautiful thing…
@Stephen — Hi Stephen. Thank you! Oh, very excellent point. Are we reaching to the heights that we can — much like that mighty Redwood, soaring high in the air? Or do we limit ourselves? The trees, the real trees, they grow taller and spread their reach further. Are we doing that with the metaphorical trees of our life? What a powerful thought Stephen, thank you! This really has me thinking tonight…
@Lisa’s Chaos — Hi Lisa. No, you’re right, that wasn’t the purpose — although this is good and fun — so I’m glad it did take you back there, and that you chose to share a bit of your childhood. So, you had a real money tree!!!
@Diane — Hi Diane. Ideas as seeds — I really like this concept. An idea, like a seed, might start out small, and then as we feed that idea, just like the seed, it grows. So, yes the planting of these seeds, or ideas, is a very important step in the journey. You could argue it is the most important step, as nothing will grow without that seed first being planted — or without us taking that first step, which can sometimes be the hardest. Thanks Diane!
@Giovanna — Hi Giovanna. Thanks so much! That’s exactly it, if we’re taking care of our trees (ideas) and helping them to grow, then they can have money growing from them, from our ideas taking root and turning into something spectacular!
@Stacey Shipman — Sometimes we’re full of ideas, lots of things bouncing around in our brains. So, we plant those ideas…and then more ideas come. More things we want to try out. And pretty soon, we have a field full of these trees, these ideas of ours, and how can we care for them all. Or where do we start. Great point Stacey, sometimes we just have to step back and take a look at where we’re at. Do we nned more trees in the forest, or is it getting to be too much? Taking the time to step back, to stop and honestly review where we’re at — that’s an easy step to overlook. Yet, when we do this — just like you did — and really see that one or maybe a few of the trees really grow — that our ideas that matter the most take a priority — we can see these ideas blossom into something grand. And yes, there will be storms, and we usually emerge stronger after these storms in our life.
@Tabitha — Hi Tabitha. What you’re writing here today — words like this make writing this all worth it! Thank you for sharing a part of your forest, a part of your dream. Your tree will grow to by majestic and mighty Tabitha, just keep feeding it with your love and soul… And know that you’ve put a big smile on my face too!
@Happiness is Better — Hi Dustin. Thanks much for everything you’re saying here — it means much to me!
@Henie — Hi Henie. Thank you!! I’m glad you’re here today, your quotes you share always add so much to what is being said, and this is no different. What’s in our heart, that’s where it’s at…
@FatFighterTV — Hi Sahar. Recognizing we have some trees we no longer want — or ideas that no longer support our goals and desires — is an important step. Without recognizing these, we can keep working on somtehing that really isn’t that important to us anymore. And Miracle Gro for some of them — I like it — jump start a few of those ideas!!
@Keith — Hi Keith. It’s great to have you here! And what you saying really sums up the whole post. It’s about planting our ideas, and then seeing the ones that really and truly matter — seeing them to completion. Well said, thank you!
@Brandi — Hi Brandi! Glad you liked it, and it’s always good to see you here…
I love the tree analogy. I always think of roots in terms of parenting. When my children were born, I wanted them to have solid roots, beliefs, values, and morals, that they could use the rest of their lives. Now that they are grown and in college or have graduated, I think I succeeded in that.
The Majestic Tree growing cycle, taking time, starts at home.….….…..:)
LisaNewton´s last blog post..Spring into 2009
Fantastic Lance.
I think that proverb come from a mindset of fear and lack — where people like to think that we might run out of money so we shouldn’t spend it, or that prosperity can only come from hard work (if that was true the coal miners would all be the richest people). Now many of us know better!
Beautiful analogies — thanks!
Robin´s last blog post..What If? The Movie, A Review
Hi Lance .. I really like your analogy .. we should never put all our eggs in one basket .. and when planting we always plant more seeds than we need and weed them out leaving the stronger ones to develop and produce — some will give us a little, some will grow to heights we weren’t expecting .. however there’ll always be challenges to adjust to — we just need to be flexible and be prepared in case things go wrong (for a while).
Thanks for such a good post which is so simply put — but so appropriate to life ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hilary´s last blog post..Mouse hole and Mean Sea Level
Lance,
I love the metaphor. As you know, I am slap bang in the middle of seeds and saplings and I am enjoying it and learning a lot. I am ready for the storm. And I know I can replant. And the trees that are already there are solid and loving and support and protect the little seeds and saplings.
So all is well in Mindful Forest
Thanks for making me smile.
Mindful Mimi´s last blog post..How doing something you’re afraid of, kills the fear.
Oh dear Lance, I love how you correlate things with Nature. So beautiful. Like the post where you compared living to hiking a mountain. This whole post is so timely for me. I have been doing much thinking and questioning of what are the things that just THRILL me. Even if it means going out on a limb, like my past post. That was so dear to my heart, but I didn’t know if others would understand or relate to it. And yet, my whole soul cried out for me to move in that direction in my writing. Then I got your response and you saw SO clearly what I was expressing; I knew I was on the right track. I also felt “high” while writing it. So every day now I ask myself what it is that just moves me passionately. Those are the things the will let the fruit (money and other abundance) fall freely from my tree. I REALLY believe this truth in my deepest heart. Reading it here is like fresh mountain air. You have given me GREAT encouragement and inspiration. More than you know. I can’t begin to tell you what your last comment on my blog did for me. You my friend SEE. You are alive and simply bubbling over with vitality and more importantly, your heart is SO open Lance. Always be so. It is who you ARE. Your effect on people is life altering and hence you change the planet. So, I thank you from my heart. You are one who shines! Many hugs, Robin.
Robin Easton´s last blog post..What might this mean?
Lance — I think your mention of “roots” here is right on. Sometimes when we are going through periods of growth the changes are occuring underground. But because you can’t see them (and other people can’t either) it can feel like you have nothing to show for your effort. But, I strongly believe in having that foundation, because when the storms come you are better prepared. Nice tree analogy — I really liked this.
Amanda Linehan´s last blog post..The Use Of Self Discipline
Hi Lance,
.
.And once our trees grown into majestic ones no one can damage them easily and they will ultimately show us what we deserve.
You’ve made me say it again.” Wow!This is great”. hehe.….I know when I’m coming to read from you, I’m not going empty handed
This is a great lesson.We need to plant trees and need to take care of them until they grow into to majestic trees.That’s how you can get a lush forest in your life.Otherwise weeds will grow
And this also says about the majestic tree people called ” jungle of life”. It was planted by you as a seed.And now it has grown into a majestic tree and gives shelter and fruits for all of the readers.
Have a wonderful day!
Very well thought out Lance. My daughter just graduated from college in Dec. and is looking for that first professional job. Not exactly a great time form new grads. She is of course panicing about the upcoming start of paying back student loans. I have been talking to her about this very thing. The problem I think is that some are impatient for the tree to hurry and grow rather than to enjoy the process of each step. It is important even in the hard times to enjoy each day and have the faith that that tree will produce fruit! Thanks for this one, I will share it with my daughter!
avtcoach´s last blog post..Reflecting On Our Words: March
Hi Lance,
I love the tree analogy. And your line, “And remember also that not all riches come in the form of money…” reminds me how MOST riches are not in the form of money, and are actually considered priceless.
Fabulous post, Lance.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..Be A Person Who Needs People
This post is better than the secret. Actuall in that book somebody also says “Money doesn’t grow on trees” proverb and then tells the solution to attract money
@LisaNewton — Those are really great “roots” to give to your children — and if you can help nurture those “roots” as they grow — you can then begin to see the Majestic tree you’ve helped to grow — your children rooted in good… I love that thought Lisa, thanks!
@Robin — Hi Robin. Thank you! Oh, great point Robin. When we have fear of not having, of the “fruits of our labors” not producing, then we are in a lacking mentality. And that’s not to say that we can’t have a great idea that doesn’t take off like we hope — which could seem like “lack”. It becomes how you look at it — maybe it’s just one way that didn’t work, and you plant another tree — another idea. Or make the roots a little stronger. And yes, it’s not just how hard you work, as much as how smart you work…
@Hilary — Hi Hilary. That fits so well here, too — not putting all our eggs in one basket. Planting many seeds, many ideas — and then really focusing on the ones that most connect to us — I agree, that’s a key. We should plant many, and then weed out what doesn’t work. And that’s not failure at all — that’s really finding out what works for each of us.
@Mimi — Hi Mimi. You have some pretty awesome seeds you’re nurturing right now. Whatever happens in what lies ahead, as I know you’re just getting these “trees” started — know that you’re doing the right thing by planting these “trees” and really giving them strong roots upon which to build. And…I’m smiling right back at you!
@Robin Easton — Robin, thank you for this. And for all your writing. And I see that as a real and majestic tree of many in your forest. You write with conviction that is rooted in so much goodness and connectedness. And this makes your writing tree magnificent! Your words always pull me in, and inspire me to think on a different level. What a gift you have! Robin, thank you for being you, my friend.
@Amanda — Hi Amanda. That’s exactly it! We like to see the stuff that everyone can see, and yet — that just doesn’t happen overnight. It’s all the behind-the-scenes things that have to happen with our “trees”, the “roots” that have to be firmly grounded — to support our “tree” both in good times and in bad. Thank you Amanda!
@Vikum — Hi Vikum. The lush forest of life — I like that! Our tree that grow into majestic ones, they are special, and hold much meaning for us. And that’s why they’ve become the majestic trees they are — because of the care we’ve given them. Vikum, thanks so much for your very generous comment — I’m humbled by your words. Very sincerely, I appreciate this so much.
@Avtcoach — Thank you! Yes, this isn’t an easy time to be coming out of college. It’s not uncommon to want to see results right away, with the “trees” in our life. Yet, oftentimes that take much nurturing. Especially when there are storms, when the economy is bad — it takes extra care. Holding on to the belief that you’ve planted the right tree can be hard sometimes. However, if you really believe in that tree with all your heart, it’s a tree worth watering, and forging the roots for a solid future. I wish your daughter the best in the forest of her life, that it becomes one of much meaning and hope for her.
@Barbara — Hi Barbara. As I thought about this, when I was writing it — I kept coming back to the realization that the start put a large emphasis on money — when the real message was one more of “riches” — and all that that word can encompass. The last line is what really brought it full circle for me — back to the beginning, back to what really matters in our life — the “riches” which aren’t necessarily monetary… Thanks for noticing Barbara…
@Hkki — Wow, thank you! This whole tree thought was one that really resonated with me, and just felt “right” as I wrote it…
Hi Lance,
I love, love, love this post! What you wrote was so beautiful and very inspiring. I think many people are have great ideas but they are too scared to go after them. What you wrote may help others to just take a chance.
I am so happy that you left a comment on my blog because that made me discover yours.
Have a beautiful day!
Nadia — Happy Lotus´s last blog post..The Thing About Love
Nope, YOU the bomb here, Lance. Did you write this pretty quickly or take a long time at it? It does not seem labored at all, flows so nicely.
I hereby nominate you for some kind of an award for this post. Let’s call it — the Excellence in Tree Metaphor Trophy.
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Like a bord on a wire, 6
What an amazing analogy. Extremely well written. I love the analogy of our “roots”. We all need to have very deep and strong roots to weather the storm. You are a great writer.
Very well written and so true. Money doesnt grow on trees but trees wont grow if we dont take care of them.
Beautiful and inspiring, Lance!
Thank you!
Hi Lance! WOW! What a wonderful post and analogy. This hit me at a perfect time. In my own life, I have planted seeds, watched them grow, nurtured them, protected them, weathered the storms…many storms…and the strength from strong roots…allowed survival. This is very inspiring. Thank you!
Debbie´s last blog post..The Value Of Friends
This is a great post, Lance. It’s inspirational and one that really makes us stop and think about what we’re doing. Thanks for the great writing you put on here.
Bri´s last blog post..Indoor Garden Expanding!
This reminds me to take stock of the trees I have in my garden, my life, to find out if they are all productive. May be some have grown very old to the extent that they no longer bear any fruit. What must I do with them? Cut them down? What if I still love them becuse they make my garden look beatiful? Thank you for the great post again.
Lizwi´s last blog post..The day we shall all evaporate
The point of the money/fruit coming from the tree is a solid reminder that the money only comes after the tree/foundation is there, and has no way to arrive beforehand. The point about nothing growing overnight is huge. I would say that a miniscule amount of items of worth came about from a single day’s work. People generally value the kind of effort that one can’t provide in a single sitting, and which has to be built upon for a substantial period of time.
Armen Shirvanian´s last blog post..Instant vs. Delayed Gratification
Lance, your philosophical analogy about money growing on trees in comparison to us being the trees and our lives the growth process is a beautiful, thought invoking essay. I’ll definitely come back to read more of your writings. Thanks for visiting my blog.
The Midnight Writer´s last blog post..Planning a Trip to the Four Corners Historic Sites
I am BLOWN away. BLOWN away by this post. You really made me think and look at my life in a whole new way with your words. In fact, I think I need to send this to my mother…
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..On Writing…
@Nadia — Hi Nadia! Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your wonderful comment. What a great point. How many times do we have an idea, and then just shelf it — never to let it see the light of day? Even if it doesn’t work out, having tried removes the idea of regrets later on down the road… Thanks again, and it’s great to have you here!
@Jannie — Hey Jannie! No way — it’s you — you really are the cat’s meow. You inspire me greatly. So, this piece — your insight is so “right on”. As I wrote this, things just kept coming to me. I couldn’t write fast enough. That’s not always the case — sometimes I write and delete, or write and work to get the wording right. Not the case at all with this one — it was so easy to write this article. And the “Excellence in Tree Metaphor” trophy — wow, I’m deeply honored Jannie. I am. (although I’m guessing there wasn’t much competition!). You lift me up always, my friend, thank you!
@Maria — Hi Maria. The “roots” in our life, how important they are, huh? You are so kind to me, know that I appreciate your words very much — thank you.
@Carla — Hi Carla. It’s great to see you here. No, money doesn’t really grow on tree. However, if we care for the metaphorical trees in our life, we have a real opportunity to help set ourselves up for success in life — and that’s something worth going after! I see you doing this, very much so, with your website. And know that I’m happy for you, and wish you the best with it all.
@Michael — Hi Michael. Thanks much!
@Debbie — Hi Debbie. Thank you! And your words — hearing that you’re reading this at just the right time in your life — Debbie, I can’t tell you how much that means to me. that’s what makes writing this all worth it. Keep taking care of those “trees” in your life, my friend.
@Bri — Hi Bri! I appreciate your words here today, very much. Thank you!
@Lizwi — Hi Lizwi. You bring up another wonderful point. Sometimes we have “trees’ that aren’t producing anymore, yet we still love them dearly. This becomes a very personal decision on what to do. I think you listen to your heart. And maybe you keep that tree just because of the love you have for it. Or maybe you’re ready to move on — and can let it go in the face of new trees. Excellent point!
@Armen — Hi Armen. Value. This is great Armen. What do we value? That in which we’ve nurtured along, labored with, spent our time doing. And if this is done with our heart at the center, it holds even more meaning for us. Thanks much!
@Midnight Writer — Thank you for your kind words, and it’s great to have you here today.
@Meleah — Hi Meleah. It’s so nice to see you here today, my friend! I am truly honored that these words have meaning for you, and what you’re saying is really making my day start off wonderfully. Thank you!
Amazing post. We definitely can’t hide during storms. Even though we would like to seek shelter.
Omar´s last blog post..A Plan B?
Lance,
What a beautiful metaphor and such an inspirational post! There are so many lessons to be learned from the nature and abundance that surrounds us.
Maria Palma´s last blog post..Take the Boundless Living Challenge
Thanks Lance. What a superb article! The brilliant use of the metaphor goes without saying but I really love your writing style too. I have featured you on my Blog
The more people that find you the better!! Love the site keep up the great work!!
A2S Editor
AmbitionToSucceed.com Editor´s last blog post..Video: You want something go get it
@Omar — Thank you. Storms will come into our life. How we handle them says a lot…
@Maria — Hi Maria and thank you! Yes, I find nature to be such a great teacher. Thanks for stopping by, it’s always great to have you visit…
@AmbitionToSucceed — Your welcome. And thanks for the feature on your blog — much appreciated!