|
I was speaking in Tampa Bay to a large group of medical and dental professionals about the power of attitude.
Typically before I speak, my personal ritual is to do a little "walk about" where I can center myself for the program in order to give the crowd a great show with lots of laughter and learning.
This particular day, the conference was held at a resort which had a beautiful golf course. So, as I was "walking about", I happened to walk out to the first tee to take a look.
On this first tee was a palm tree which really caught my attention. The reason it caught my attention is because it was so crooked. I mean it was really crooked. Now I have seen palm trees all my life, as I am sure you have as well; typically they are nicely manicured and nicely straight. But...not this one.
Let me describe to you what I saw: The palm tree went straight up for about 10 feet, then it went completely horizontal for 5 or 6 feet, then turned at a right angle and went straight up again vertically toward the sun. I thought to myself, what an interesting tree ...
Now, I am not a "palm-ologist". Therefore, I have no idea why that tree was transfigured in this manner.
I imagined, either it was something intrinsic within itself; perhaps, there was something in it's palm tree DNA which told it to grow 10 feet vertically, then grow 5 feet horizontally, then come around and grow back vertically again.
Or maybe, more likely, it was something extrinsic to the palm tree. Something outside of itself happened to it; maybe it was hit by lightening or struck by a hurricane, wounded and cracked at the place where it went sideways.
As the tree continued to thrive, it grew sideways - until it was ready to go back up and face the sun.
I am not the most sentimental guy in the world. However, I actually misted up looking at that tree. What an interesting tree! I would rather look at this tree than all the perfectly formed straight palm trees around here.
The character this tree maintained was breathtaking and revealing to me. Crooked palm-tree-people have character too. I enjoy people that have character and wisdom born out of experience and learning, and making the comeback. These types of people are stronger, wiser and have insight to issues that others may not.
This tree had character, because of the weathering of "tough stuff".
Then it hit me, people are like palm trees. Some palm trees are unspoiled in form, where all the conditions are right for them and they grow flawless. Then there are crooked palm trees, where conditions have been rough and tough - and yet, they have found a way to grow back to the sun.
If you have been "hit" by lightening or barely held on through your personal hurricane...have hope! You may grow sideways for a while, but this is normal. Through your healing process and perhaps growing sideways for awhile, know that are you are shifting through a regeneration process. This awkward growth only prepares you to grow back toward the sun.
Bruce Christopher, Speaker & Psychologist | 
