The Resilience of the Palm Tree: A Symbol of Strength and Endurance

If you're wondering why the image of the palm tree graces so many pages on this site, let me tell you, it is intentional. Imagine a lone palm tree on a beach. Most days that tree sways in the breeze, soaks up the sun, bears fruit, and I imagine it is smiling at the sky. I imagine it is so happy and content, it cherishes its place in this world and must feel such gratitude. Then, somewhere out at sea, a storm starts to brew and build strength. Suddenly, the tree is swept up in a brutal lashing of wind, rain, and waves. Its roots are tested as water levels rise with a vengeance, its branches are blown violently back and forth. This storm bares its ugly teeth for hours, barreling down on the tree, doing its very best to destroy it.

The storm passes, the skies clear, and the palm tree stands tall. Its uncanny ability to bend and flex, to protect itself from the wind and rain, is truly remarkable. Like the palm tree, we have all weathered storms, and yet we stand. There are countless examples throughout history of unimaginable 'storms' and stories of humans who not only endured them but lived to heal and thrive after. Resilience is the birth of joy.