I saw these two trees today and was struck by their stark contrast.
The tree on the left is filled with beautiful baby-pink flower buds. Some have already bloomed and the rest are just about ready to open. This tree is full of life, and hope, and possibilities. It has welcomed the spring with open arms and an open heart.
The tree on the right has no flowers on it. Instead, it's blood red branches are holding sturdy pine cones on them. This tree has endured a tough winter and is still standing strong. It is showing the world that it is not going to be defeated, that it will be beautiful again someday. There is pain in this tree that it is trying not to show to the world, instead it projects strength.
Two completely different trees and yet there is a sense that they belong next to each other. The harshness and sharpness of the tree on the right balanced out by the softness and blooms of the one on the left.
There are some days when I feel like the tree on the left. This tree is a flashback to my life before loss, a life when bad things didn't happen to me. In my early grief I thought I would never feel that joy again, but as time has gone on, I've allowed my happiness to blossom a bit.
Most days though, I still feel like the tree on the right. Battered and scarred, but still holding my head high. Trying with all my might to retain my dignity and grace even on the worst days of the storm. Waiting for the day when I will be beautiful again.
How about you? Which tree are you today?
Today I feel like the blooming tree... Full of possibility and hope. Last year at this time, I was def the other tree. I didn't want to come out of the dreary winter into the happy spring time.
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly the tree on the right. But I can still admire the blooming tree and feel like I may feel like that one day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Thanks for this.
Definitely the tree on the right. Or perhaps another tree all together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteDef the tree on the right. I can't remember the time I was ever the tree on the left
ReplyDeleteFeeling like the tree on the right at the moment... but without much strength. Amazing how they stand side-by-side together while so different... beautiful analogy xoxo
ReplyDeleteThe tree on the right. Great post and enjoyed reading.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful comparison. Today I'm the tree on the right (in no small part due to a FB announcement of a pregnancy due when mine would have been) ... but I'd like to be the one on the left.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog a couple of days ago and read a lot of your story. Hugs to you after what you've been through - I admire in you the qualities that you admire in that tree.
Wow - I love how you made notice of those trees. Beautiful analogy.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be more like the tree on the left, every day. Some days are better than others for sure - but I'm trying.
I'm glad to have found this post over at Shell's place. :)
I hope you can become more like the tree on the left.
ReplyDeleteMost days still the tree on the right. I'm ok with that. I really love this post!
ReplyDeleteI have to say i'm the tree on the right and i try very hard to be the tree on the left but sometimes the weight of those pinecones don't let me go =[
ReplyDeleteThis is a very insightful post! Most of the time I am probably the tree on the right, the strong one!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I know how to be soft and blooming like the one on the left. But I think I am ok with that.
I love the contrast of these trees. Both beautiful in their own way.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written too.