If you plant a tree and restrict its roots, it can only grow so big and for so long. This is why many urban trees (restricted by cement) only live to be 20-30 years old.

An exception to this rule is the great redwood tree.

Despite having shallow roots, redwoods can thrive for over a thousand years—because they grow in community. Their roots intertwine, relying on each other for strenth.

Redwood trees thrive because of the support of other Redwood trees.

Like redwoods, we’re not meant to go it alone. Life’s challenges can make us retreat into isolation, forgetting the support systems that surround us. While solitude is important for healing, our resilience and growth also come from our connections—with family, friends, nature, faith, creativity, and community.

Support helps us heal, stabilize, and find new meaning and purpose in our difficult experiences.

We can choose to stay confined by what limits us, or reach out and grow through our connections—like the great redwoods.

Where do you find your support when life gets hard ?

Family. Friends. Mentors. Coaches. Neighbors. Online Communities. Support Groups. Professional Networks. Therapists. Counselors. Volunteer Organizations. Educational Institutions. Fitness Classes. Clubs. Spiritual Communities. God. Books. Podcasts. Local Meetups. Workplace. Music. Nature.