Like tiny seeds…..

Hello All,

August started with a tropical storm and tornadoes. 2020 continues to be a year that tests us – individually, as families, as friends, and as a society. This made me think about how incredible the human spirit is. We endure even as parts of us are hurting and scared. We endure even when we are tired and discouraged. We endure even when we think we cannot.

It made me think of a quote written by Catherine DeVrye, author, in The Gift of Nature:

“Like tiny seeds with potent power to push through tough ground and become mighty trees, we hold innate reserves of unimaginable strength. We are resilient.”

We are resilient. We are strong. We are enough.

I think we forget this sometimes. I think we don’t give ourselves enough credit for surviving, for having unimaginable strength, and making it work through one of the hardest, wildest years that I personally have ever lived through. Healthcare has turned upside down – and those of you in healthcare have worked hard in hot gowns, gloves, face shields and often two masks to ensure that an often overwhelming number of patients have received the very best care. Teachers have developed whole new skillsets and strategies to help bring the classroom home, to keep students engaged – and to help parents who have now become teachers! The supply chain industries – from healthcare to household goods to food – have had to change their entire set of processes to make sure we had the items we need to survive. (I will be so glad when I can find Clorox wipes again! LOL!) Thank goodness for the truck drivers and the postal service for keeping us connected. And many thanks to the our police and emergency services for their commitment to keeping us safe!

We have all had to change our daily lives – and our vocabulary! From quarantine to masks/PPE to “social distancing” to “social bubbles”, we have been successful. We have become teachers (though one of my friends said she thinks her consumption of wine has increased proportionate to the multiplication tables she was teaching!). We have learned new skills – like how to Zoom.

At the same time, we are looking at societal changes so we can become a more perfect Union. We are creating “good trouble”. Things will take time, but overwhelmingly the beginnings have been peaceful and meaningful. Voices are being heard.

And don’t forget this quote from a wise, unknown author:

“Sometimes the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see, it is  just a tiny spark that whispers ever so softly ‘you have got this, keep going’.”  

We also have each other! On the days that you need help or support, reach out. We are in this incredible world together.

In fact, each of our seeds comes together to create a strong and beautiful forest – trees of all shapes and sizes – vibrant with life, noise, smell and color. Our trees give shelter. Our trees give shade and light. Our trees bear sustenance.

Push on! You are resilient. You are strong. You are enough.

You are loved.

Phyl