#11 Roots Of Perseverance

Water that cascades down from neighboring hills feeds a quiet stream that meanders through my community. On a beautiful, sunny day, as I walked through the village, I sat by it and watched the water flow quietly. The spot where I sat was where the stream made a bend to the left, continuing its journey to merge with a bigger stream in the distance.

At that moment, where the stream had bent in that quiet place, it was as if the stream itself implored me to see the often unseen, yet essential – the roots of perseverance.

I sat quietly on the bank, surrounded by tall, dense trees, each rising proudly, its thick, sturdy trunk reaching for the sky. At this very bend, where the stream took a slight leftward turn, the flowing water had eroded much of the surrounding soil, exposing a complex network of roots that would otherwise have remained hidden. Here, the trees, with their broad trunks and sweeping branches, stood firmly on this exposed network of roots, each anchored and nourished by this intricate structure. In that instant, it became evident that this hidden network sustained the trees and kept the stream bank intact, holding the soil together against the constant erosion of flowing water.

For many years, the intact bank of the stream has ensured that it continues to find its path despite the erosion. The trees stood, thriving and upright, because of this foundational network. Without roots, the trees would be vulnerable and isolated, unable to access the nourishment and stability needed to thrive.

This sight is a silent plea to anyone who might pass by: we, too, need to stay connected to our support systems.

In our work and personal lives, we rely on an intricate web of connections that uphold and sustain us, much like these roots do for the trees and stream bank. These interconnected roots hold the soil together and anchor each tree, allowing it to grow tall and withstand wind, weather, and time pressures.

In our personal lives, authentic connections provide us energy and a sense of belonging. Family supports our ambitions, mentors challenge us to grow, and in moments of vulnerability, we lean on those who create a safe emotional space for sharing our hopes and struggles. Collaboration and shared vision bind a team like the roots that intertwine to support the trees. Working with colleagues aligned on goals cultivates a culture of mutual support and shared purpose, enabling teams to face challenges with unity and resolve.

As we nourish these connections with open communication, we create trust, helping each person grow and adapt in a constantly changing environment. We also need peers and mentors who offer guidance, insights, and encouragement to help us grow. Such support strengthens our ability to persevere, adapt, and succeed.

Nurturing Our Roots: The Key to Lasting Perseverance

Just as the trees I sat among relied on their roots for strength and sustenance, we too often unknowingly depend on our support systems. We must be intentional about creating and nurturing these networks. In our personal and professional lives, our networks are not just resources — they are part of who we are, grounding us and helping us reach upward, driving us toward more significant achievements.

Imagine, for a moment, a tree cut off from its roots.

Without its foundation, it would lose its strength, its adaptability, and, ultimately, its life. In the same way, we cannot thrive in isolation. Our networks provide us the resilience to navigate and persevere life’s twists and turns, just as those roots allow the trees to stand tall.

The wisdom revealed by soil erosion at that bend in the stream tells us that, although much of what sustains us may be hidden, it is undeniably essential. The next time you find yourself surrounded by friends, family, or colleagues, remember the roots of those trees — the unseen networks that silently nourish, protect and uphold. Embrace your support networks, seen and unseen, as they are the hidden forces that empower you to grow, stand resilient, and reach new heights.

With its roots exposed, this scene by the stream is a gentle and profound message for each of us:

Nourish the roots and stay connected to those who uplift and support you, just as trees remain anchored by their roots.

Whether in personal or professional life, our support networks are the foundation that allows us to thrive — to stand tall, persevere, and steadfast, even as life’s waters shift and flow.