Growing from the Inside Out

​'People are like trees: give them what the need to grow on a continual basis for long enough, and they will grow from the inside out. And they will bear fruit.'

This quote is from John Maxwell's 5 Levels of Leadership. It got me thinking about how we grow. From the inside out. Often, we develop our mindset, our thoughts and our attitudes about things first, then we go about doing and acting on our thoughts. When we help others to see something, it is often on the inside. We tell them they did a good job or we appreciate their efforts. They then make a shift, have a realisation or come to comprehend and understand something from the inside, from their perspective, taking on your compliment. This happens to us and it happens to others.

Trees are also a wonderful analogy. Who doesn't like trees? They are natural, grow and start from a seed, often come from another tree. Within every seed is a large tree I have heard said. The same is true for people. Within every baby is a great person, a fully realised, actualised and functioning person. Do we really nurture each other though? Do we give each other what we need to grow? Certainly, we all need food, but a heartfelt word, a compliment or just speaking positively too each other is also important. This is the giving that we also need to grow. We need this as the quote says on a continual basis. Think of your favourite school teacher or lecturer. Why are they your favourite?  I would guess it is because they encouraged you, believed in you and gave you some encouraging advice when you most needed it. Advice that helped you grow and become stronger, wiser and more nourished. Like a tree, it helped you grow. Eventually, trees bears fruit. You also bear fruit in the form of your talents and special gifts. The things that make you special. Your fruits are unique as they are on your tree.

Nourish others and give compliments freely. If we think of everyone as a tree, then remember trees need water, encouragement, sunlight and room to grow. If we put a tree in a pot then it will only grow as big the pot will allow the root system. Put your tree in the ground, let your roots establish and blossom into the person you are meant to be. Whole, pure, transforming and providing comfort and shade for others and above all beauty.