Here’s what I pondered as I walked on a November day in Canada.
Letting go is an acquired, and necessary, skill. I foster it every time I receive a rejection to something I’ve written. If I let go of enough resentments, doubts or regrets, I open up room for other, better opportunities.
I happened upon a notebook from my Grade 8 English class. On the last page, I found this: a list of words to use instead of said. Way back in the 1970s my teacher advised me to liven up the story. Avoid using said, they said (proposed, urged, argued ….
Whatever life throws at you today, don’t rush, shop around, work in phases, and have faith.
In Canada we joke that we have two seasons: winter and construction. But as summer road construction slows down in our northern climate, we begin different kinds of winter construction. New school projects, new organizational meetings, new roads to new adventures.
Somerton Smith 
I am a Willow Tree, securely rooted while my branches are swaying in the gusty wind. Great question.
Oh, what a lovely image. I do love a willow tree. They are strong and flexible at the same time.
You took a walk and the trees spoke to you. Grand!
What kind of tree am I today? Well, earlier in the day I felt uprooted with a notification that I may have to begin again, possibly with a new ISBN number for my new book. Later, when I spoke to a specialist, she used the words “I don’t think there’s much harm done” when she spoke of the errors that may be rectified just by sending a new file. So, right now I’ll identify with a sturdy oak.
Great question, Arlene!
You are a sturdy oak that is bearing acorns! It is helpful to remember that trees live in community, with their roots intertwined, supporting each other.
Thanks for the reassurance, Arlene. You are a great support!
I think I am a budding maple, ready for the ice I’ve endured to nourish the potential in my new leaf-buds. Love the question and the answers.
Ooooh, I love your answer. In a previous post, I wrote about how, even on the coldest, darkest days of winter, when deciduous trees appear fully dead, there are buds. They are small and protected by thick scales, but they are there. https://somertonsmith.com/2022/02/15/being-rid-of-that-which-does-not-feed-us/
I’m sure there will be wonderful leaves appearing soon.
I love how you compared yourself to trees! This post made me very happy. It reminds me of a Ram Dass quote in which he compares humans to trees.
As I write this, I notice that the trees in my backyard have buds on their branches. That’s how I feel right now. I’ve been sluggish all winter, but I’m gradually waking up, just like the trees.❤️
Wonderful, thank you. Spring is a time for that feeling of re-birth. It’s all very energizing!
Yes, it is! ❤️