Nothing blooms all year round and you don’t have to either. I know it’s not a new analogy, but it’s a good one.

Aside from evergreens, trees lose their leaves every year. Losing leaves helps trees to retain water during the winter and use less energy to stay alive. The fallen leaves help to add nutrients to the soil, which feeds their roots for a new season. And while they stand there bare-branched, they let more light in for other plants around them.

What can we learn from the beautiful phenomenon of falling leaves?

1. There are seasons in life

Seasons of growth and rest are natural. It’s okay to take a break and lay low when you need to. Your energy is precious and you need to do what you need to do to preserve it. Don’t hang around people who sap it.

2. Stand tall in your naked truth

When you stand tall in your most vulnerable state, a state of pure authenticity, you give others the strength and courage to do the same. Own it! Own your unique spirituality, your beliefs, and your true self.

3. Lose parts of yourself to regrow

See the fallen leaves as parts of yourself that you let go or decided to review and change. They could be beliefs about yourself, your religion, or others. Whatever they are, you can always regrow new ones.

4. Old beliefs can become compost

Remember that old beliefs are not wrong, they had a purpose at the time. But when they no longer serve you, it’s natural to let go of them. Allow them to become the compost that strengthens and feeds your future self.

And, as we close off, I want to encourage you to remember this Japanese saying: "If you feel like you're losing everything, keep in mind that trees lose their leaves every year, yet they still stand tall, waiting for better days to come."

Your best is yet to come! 

Much love my friend, 

David

P.S. If you’re interested, here’s my collection of tree art.