once upon a time…
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled among rolling green hills, there lived a little girl named Lily. Lily was a bright and cheerful child, always finding joy in the simplest of things. However, there came a time when Lily's spirit seemed to dim, and a cloud of sadness and depression settled over her.
Lily couldn't quite pinpoint the reason for her to be feeling this way, but she yearned for someone who could understand and offer the encouragement she so desperately needed. One sunny day, while wandering through a nearby forest, Lily stumbled upon a clearing where a lone swing hung from a sturdy tree branch.
Lily approached the swing and hesitantly sat down. As she swayed back and forth, lost in her thoughts, a soft voice broke the silence. "Hello there," it said. Lily looked around but saw no one. She realized the voice was coming from the tree itself.
"I see you're feeling a bit down," the voice continued. "Would you like to share what's troubling you?"
Lily's eyes widened in surprise. She found herself pouring out her heart to the wise old tree. She spoke of her fears, her doubts, and the weight that seemed to burden her small shoulders. The tree listened attentively, its leaves rustling gently in the breeze.
After Lily finished speaking, the tree responded with words that touched her soul. "Dear Lily, life can be challenging at times, and it's okay to feel sad. But remember, just like the seasons change, so do our emotions. When we move away from these emotions we are quieting parts of our heart that help us see what is inside. Listen to what your body has to say and respond unapologetically. You have a strength within you that can overcome any darkness. Embrace the warmth of love and the support of those who care about you. Allow yourself to be seen by the ones who love you and know that your feelings are a great gift meant to be cherished and taken care of."
Lily felt a surge of hope and gratitude fill her heart. She thanked the wise tree for its kind words and promised to carry its wisdom with her always. As she left the clearing, Lily felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Days turned into weeks, and Lily applied the tree's wisdom to her life. She sought connection in the love of her family and friends, and she discovered the power of possibility and resilience. She did hard things and let those around her in on moments of feeling discontent. Slowly but surely, Lily's sadness began to fade, replaced by a renewed sense of joy and purpose.
Years passed, and Lily grew into a strong and compassionate young woman. She never forgot the tree that had offered her solace and encouragement in her time of need. To honor its wisdom, she planted a sapling in her garden, nurturing it with love and care.
And so, the little girl who once needed encouragement became the source of inspiration for others. Her story spread far and wide, reminding everyone that even in the darkest of times, a helping hand and a kind word can make all the difference.
This story of the little girl is a familiar one, isn’t it? Can you see yourself in her shoes? Can you relate to the first part of the story when she juggles her feelings of sadness and depression? These feelings bring on a sense of vulnerability when offered the chance to share how you are doing with those around you. Vulnerability is so healing and we need other people to do it.
Finding a community of people to surround yourself with can be the most healing thing you ever do. The moments of feeling naked and seen are worth it. The connection and friendships you discover can be life altering. You are worth the risk. You are worth the fight. Your life depends on it.
Acknowledge whats going on inside of you. Say out loud how you are feeling… Even if at first it’s to a tree.
Much love,
Shantell
