Another rung around the tree
If I were a tree, then today, I would magically sprout a new layer of external shell. You could cut me in half, count the layers, and discover my age. Pretty wild when you think about it. Looking at the inside of a tree is like looking at a story board for a book or movie. Every line/layer is packed with information, stories, emotions, lessons, and experience.
However, these layers don’t just show up on their own. The ground holds the base of the tree stable, allowing it to root and grow. The rain and surrounding micro/macro creatures do what they do to help bring nutrients. The sun shines on the leaves, provides energy, encouragement, and advice on where to go in its life. It takes a forrest to raise a tree :).
These last few years, I have opened up to the wonders of collaboration. For a long time, I tried to do everything on my own, and definitely added some tough layers to my stump! When I look back today on how much stronger I have become from focused/intentional work with others, co-creating, and admitting that I need help, I feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation and gratitude.
Thank you to everyone in my forrest! If you are reading this now, you have had a profound impact on me, and the latest rungs I have acquired are entirely because of you. They are the best I have ever had, and all I can say is thank you! I couldn’t have got here on my own.
Like a human bone that becomes stronger and more dense as a reaction to bearing load, so do