One of the great myths that afflicts humans is the expectation that a good life means no breaking, nothing to endure, and nothing to overcome. If life is easy, we must be doing something "right".

Like nature, we are part of a larger Universe. The same energy that created the plants, trees, and cosmos, also created us. And everything in nature is constantly growing and expanding - including us.

A tree's sole (soul) purpose on earth is to grow - despite storms, broken limbs, damaged roots, drought, or infection, the tree grows. Branches reach toward the sun, even in the most desperate conditions. If you trim a tree down to its stump, some branches may still attempt to sprout. Fallen limbs and poor soil do not deter the tree from its true essence.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, stops the tree from honoring its purpose - to grow.

You are a tree. Every challenge, every illness, every broken heart and broken bone, all hold the capacity to heal into something new. A new bone, a new body, new cells and new awareness - you are a tree.

Difficult moments in life are not meant to keep you down - because your entire being is meant for growth. Like the resilient and ever-abiding tree, you are designed to keep reaching towards the sun. You are made to attempt growth through every obstacle, without question or analysis.

You are worthy of barren winters and pulsing, budding springs. Through every painful experience, you are forming deep roots that will not let you down. You are flowering in the midst of chaos and waking to each new day. You are strong and unshakeable because as long as you keep growing, nothing is lost and nothing loses purpose.

As age and harsh weather leave their mark on your skin and soul, wear each with the pride of a warrior. Your body is like the beautiful, jagged bark - gnarled with wisdom and knowing. Drink in each new moment like the new dew of each dawn. Stay curious like the tree  - what will happen next?

The mighty tree is also humble, because it trusts its purpose, and does not question where the necessity to grow came from. Like the tree, you were designed to grow, and for now, that single knowing is enough.