Deep Roots: Growing Beyond the Surface in Life's Coldest Seasons
On a particularly cold afternoon recently, my thoughts turned to the cold temperature and the rain dropping onto the deck railing visible from my window. I thought about how hard it sometimes is to get motivated to do anything. It is hard to get dressed, to spend time with others, to engage in meaningful activities. Noticing the trees beyond the deck, which were without leaves and appeared lifeless, I became curious.
I wondered, what are the trees doing during the cold winter months? After researching and discovering that growth takes place even during the cold winter months, I was enticed to take a deeper look.
In regions with cold winters, some tree species may respond by growing their roots deeper into the soil. This helps them access soil moisture that is less likely to freeze at greater depth. Interestingly, this means they are growing their roots deeper.
What if during these winter months we make the choice to grow our roots deeper? What if we choose to seek connection at a deeper level? Reaching deeper can provide newfound strength and compel us to grow personally. How do we do this?
Here are a few suggestions:
Invest in yourself – What do you want to study or discover?
Enroll in a course.
Sign up for a class.
Start a new hobby.
Begin a gratitude journal.
Invest in others:
Find opportunities to give back.
Volunteer.
Invest more significantly in the relationships that matter:
Make a phone call.
Arrange a lunch or coffee meeting.
Remember, love is spelled T.I.M.E. – spend it with those important to you. Time is the most valuable gift you can offer.
Send a card.
Deep relationships provide a strong foundation for emotional support. People in deep relationships are more likely to feel understood and validated, and they can rely on one another during challenging times. Relationships offer opportunities for personal growth. Through interactions with others, individuals may learn more about themselves, gain new perspectives, and develop empathy and understanding.
Deep relationships often involve the creation of shared memories. These shared experiences contribute to a sense of shared history, reinforcing the connection between individuals. Strong, deep relationships have been linked to improved mental and emotional well-being. Supportive relationships can act as a buffer against stress and contribute to overall life satisfaction. During the winter months, let's grow deeper and stronger roots. Let's benefit from this season of life.
The Halos Counseling Team is here to support you if you want to start therapy. Reach out to us to schedule a free consult to determine if we're a good fit for you.
