Trees of Hope
In This Reflection:
Feeling behind in healing or personal growth
Letting go of comparison and “should have by now” thinking
Taking small, meaningful steps forward
Practicing self-compassion during recovery
Beginning again without needing perfection
Dear Person Living with a Brain Injury,
When you’re hard on yourself and procrastinating your greatness, remember, you’re healing. You’re on a climb to the top of the mountain…
One of my favorite quotes is: “The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The second-best time to plant a tree is today.”
I hear it’s common for people to feel a tinge of regret, a sprinkle of dread, and a bucket of frustration when they think about what they “should have done by now.” But anyone who really feels it knows that inner dread makes you feel like the only one. And that’s not true - but honestly, I wouldn’t change it. Because whatever you think you should have done - eat a little healthier, take a painting class, fold the laundry - it usually involves you doing something. Even if that “something” is telling a loved one that you’re going to need some help, and then making a plan and a schedule. Just because I say “start today” doesn’t mean a physical therapist instantly shows up at your door. Sometimes step one is simply the plan.
This is why I like a quote like this one. It frees you to start today. Because sometimes what holds us back is clinging to what could have been. How far along would I be if I had already started working out? How many books would I have finished if I had been reading a little every day like I promised myself? How warm and loving might my relationship be if I let my partner know I appreciate the little things they do? I’d have a whole new life, right? But that’s the funny part - your new life, new skill, hobby, or discipline can start today.
But like the quote says: “The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The second-best time to plant a tree is today.” Don’t confuse how amazing things might have been by now with how amazing they can be in five minutes when you start. Don’t slip into thinking you have to be perfect at anything; you only have to be yourself and participate in a life that makes you feel at home in yourself.
Success is not achieving the goal.
Playing the guitar perfectly or making a million bucks is not success.
“Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.”
As long as you’re working at something meaningful to you - and occasionally making progress - you are successful.
So be courageous, be self-loving, and plant the seed. Start today. You deserve it.
I’d love to know what type of trees you’re going to plant.
I am going to plant a “blogging tree” - I want to write more often.
Written by: Farook Outhmani
Person living with a brain injury
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I wrote this is a remember that you should take action and go after the good that you want. The healing, the love, a change you may have hesitated on. Go for it, Right NOW is a great time to make a step towards something you want. Ask, Pray and Love.
