Redwood
trees are the tallest of all trees, growing to almost 400' tall. Instead
of the incredibly deep root system you might expect, redwoods have an
extremely shallow root system, which is at times only 12' deep. How can
a 400' tree with a 12' root system stand up to the wind? Although they
are shallow, the roots of the redwood grow extremely wide. And yet, as
wide as the roots are, they still should not be able to support a 400'
tree. So how do they reach such incredible heights?
If
you have ever been to or seen a redwood forest, you know that the trees
grow very close to each other. Growing close together means that each
tree's wide root system intertwines with the root systems of the other
trees. By growing close together they become part of a huge root system
that is able to support every tree's amazing height. Redwoods reach
their incredible height because they grow in a redwood forest.
Only redwoods have the strength to support other redwoods.
Humans
grow the same way. Only when you are surrounded by people who have and
understand your potential will you achieve your greatest success. To use
more of your potential, you need a "forest of people" growing
with you. The more "redwoods" you surround yourself with, the
greater your success will be. You may have reached 100' last year,
however by adding new people around you this year you may reach 200'.
The stronger the people in your forest, the stronger you will be. You
have reached your current height partly because of the "trees"
around you. As you add more "redwoods" to your personal
forest, you will grow even taller.
To
be a "redwood" is not to say that someone is exactly like you,
or that they have the exact same skills and abilities as you. To be a
redwood is to have a certain awareness, attitude, or mindset. Other
people who are redwoods are those people who think like you do -- they
share your mentality and approach to life.
During
your lifetime, the "trees" in your personal forest will
certainly change. Some of those who grew with you in the past may not
have the potential to grow to your new heights. Just as it's important
for them to respect your greatness, it's important for you to respect
theirs as well. As you grow ever taller, you may need to make some
adjustments with regard to those growing with you. Asking an apple tree
to support a redwood is unfair to the apple tree. Make sure those you
ask to grow with you have your capabilities as well.
Remember,
redwoods that grow in an apple orchard may be "branches and
limbs" above the apple trees, however their growth will be much
less dramatic than if they were with other redwoods.
If
you sometimes feel like dead wood is the only thing that will grow is in
your personal forest, remember you can make the choice to be in a
different forest!
Today,
build yourself a "forest" of people who understand, respect,
acknowledge and accept your greatness. Build your forest with people who
will grow with you as you strive for your greatest heights ever. Only
when surrounded by other redwoods will you be truly free… Free to be
the greatest you can be.
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