Exposed. That’s what hit me. Erosion had swept away most all of it’s soil, exposing it’s vast root system. I had passed this thriving tree for years now as I walked my dog along the bank of this meandering stream. But now, I had a glimpse of what was keeping it upright, despite the current’s effort to wash it downstream. To see how the roots were stretching toward the remaining soil to stabilize and nourish this little tree, was astonishing to me.
It got me thinking about what my root system looked like? What was below my surface? How intricate and strong was my underground circuitry? Perhaps, it’s is hard to put into words or even unknown to us until we need it?
When I was diagnosed with M.S., I wasn’t sure how I was going to weather the storm. I don’t think I actually knew I had a root system so strong and fiercely self-protective. I guess I had always just seen myself from above soil line. A stubborn little girl and self-sufficient teen. An independent young woman and giving physician. A loving wife and protective mother. A supportive daughter, connected sister and loyal friend. But when my branches were rattled and all of my leaves swept away, I felt broken and weak. Yet, that’s when I realized I was more than meets the eye. That’s when I realized I had roots…My strong husband and loving sons, my dear parents and siblings, my faithful friends and loyal dog, my faith in a higher power and in my inner power to seek out what I needed to thrive.
We have so many storms ahead, just as we have so many behind us. Life’s eroding forces never give up. We cant take our root system for granted. Its there waiting to be acknowledged and needed. So struggle, screw up, be vulnerable, be forgiving of your weaknesses and thankful for your strengths. Sing your own praises and release your true talents. Feed your roots and in return, they will give you resilience and strength. Strength to stand tall and be rooted.
The most complex and robust wines come from the most struggling vines with the scrappiest leaves. A struggling vine may produce less grapes but more flavor. Grapes grown in poor soil with limited water can grow 30 feet deep to get what they need and produce a wine with the most intricate bouquet. So struggling is good? Darn you Mother Nature…You did it again, reminding us that you have so many cool analogies to guide us on our journeys. You are the RBG of the natural world!
We have so many storms to weather. Storms survived and storms yet to come. Life’s erosive forces never give up. So struggle, screw up, be vulnerable, take chances, envision your goals, forgive yourself for your weaknesses and embrace your strengths. Realize your true talents and let them flow. Feed your roots, and in return they will give you the resilience and strength you need to stand tall and stay rooted.