A Little Winter Mix

Those of us down here in SC are funny to say the least. The slightest of heavy rain and all the schools close immediately. Families then rush to the grocery store to pillage the shelves of all things perishable and nonperishable. Last month, we had what was called a "winter mix" of rain and ice with a little bit of accumulation in the trees. Honestly, I didn't think much of it until I was making yet another trip to Whole-Pay-Checks (Whole Foods) and noticed my favorite tree in the neighborhood fell victim to the storm.

This tree was a Live Oak that must have been 100 years old. To wrap your arms around the trunk of the tree it would have taken you and two of your tallest friends with arms linked together to complete the circle. While it was not very tall it had a great canopy that spread 20 feet in all directions. In my mind, absolutely nothing short of a freak of nature could bring that thing down let alone a little "winter mix".

To the naked eye this was a masterful piece of nature able to survive and thrive through 100 years of the elements pushing down on its magnificent spread of branches, limbs and foliage. However, on the inside there must have been some vulnerabilities; weakened from the stress of providing shelter for all who ventured below its wings. When I saw the tree laying spread across the ground, I immediately thought about how I admired the beauty of the tree but never even considered it might need help. 

I liken that oak tree to many of the leaders I have met through the years.  The leaders we all turn to for strength, understanding, compassion and guidance. Rarely do we stop to think of them as people also vulnerable to the stresses of life.  While they may look strong and confident on the outside, on the inside there is often turmoil they are trying desperately to reconcile. They never ask for help because they do not want to be seen as weak.  Sadly, we get so wrapped up in our own lives and challenges we fail to notice the obvious signs that are growing weak.    

If you have a dramatic physical accident usually the wounds are painfully obvious. The wounds from mental fatigue and stress are not so obvious and quite frankly a little more complicated to treat. This is precisely why we need to keep an eye out for each other. Pay close attention to what those around you are going through in their lives. Keep a mental score of the accumulation of this stress and reach out to them before a "winter mix" brings them down.

TIMTalks – Timeless, Inspirational and Meaningful