New Growth

When we first moved into our present house, the developers planted trees along our street and throughout the neighborhood. The one by our driveway didn’t survive, so I cut it down. Around the stump, several shoots began to grow. Initially, I cut those back regularly. However, I let them go for a while and noticed one shoot seemed stronger than the others. So, I trimmed back all the others and let the strong one continue to grow. Today, it is a thriving tree. It has grown differently than the others on the street, but the new one has its own style.

2020 has dramatically altered our way of life. However, just like my tree, many things have been growing out of the damage and loss. In times like these, we have the opportunity to truly assess what is important in our lives and what is secondary. We need to ask the tough questions:

·       If things were to go back to pre-Covid, what would we really want to keep?

·       What have we learned about ourselves that we want to continue to see develop?

·       What habits or routines can we prune out of our lives to give room for other things to grow?

·       Given that we may have to start in new directions, what will we use as a compass going forward?

The answers to these questions are both individual and collective. We each have to determine our next individual steps. Simultaneously, we need to consider our interconnectedness and work together to set parameters for how we will proceed as a society. Whatever we choose, here are some recommended filters:

·       Will it build positive relationships?

·       Will it open lines of honest communication?

·       Will it be sustainable?

·       Will it help create balance?

·       Will it serve the common good?

This is a crucial time for everyone. Let’s be intentional in what we let grow in the days ahead.