Stand tall, don’t cower.

And for God’s sake, learn to bend.

I’m still thinking about trees.

The quietness, the safety they provide.
The covering, the protection.
The foresight, the wisdom.
The example.

They root down deep and stretch high. I can hear the cracking of fibers as they reach deep and high at the same time, pulling on their middle. Trusting their trunk. Spreading out their branches as far as they can. But reaching high, because the view is so good.

It must feel so good to stretch like that, breaking fibers that have held stiff for too long. When you’re meant to see the sunrise, you know it. You can’t settle for less, not reaching the height you were meant to.

Stand tall, don’t cower.
For God’s sake, learn to bend.
If you don’t learn to bend, you’re going to break!
The wind will take you right out!
Make sure your roots are firm. Spread them out as wide as you can.
Get a good grip in the earth. But don’t forget to stand tall and straight!
You’re a goddamned tree for Pete’s sake.

-Life Coach for trees, The Silent Generation edition.