The Growth Tree

I often reflect on moments of growth and regression that have taken place in my life. And when I clearly see how my life has changed and who I’ve become, I get upset and criticize myself.  I’m learning to give myself more compassion and grace. No longer am I telling myself that I am a failure. On the contrary, I’m telling myself that I’m resilient and strong, a survivor who hasn’t given up hope. I’ve learned that through my vulnerabilities, I will find my true strengths, and only through being vulnerable, will I truly be able to grow. Like a tree shedding its leaves and growing taller and stronger, I too have to shed the falls of old parts of myself that will no longer serve or benefit me. I’m not the same man I was last year, and I’m not the man I’ll be a year from now. Like that tree, who has weathered through different seasons year after year, I refuse to succumb to my negative external forces. Rather I will grow and then pulled toward the light with an inner strength that are only allowed to grow stronger.