We are a product of nature. For better or for worse, the reality is we depend on nature to live. The food we need to eat to live comes from nature. The water that we need to drink to continue to thrive comes from nature. Even the air that we breathe comes from the atmosphere and nature. The more closely we link ourselves to nature, the healthier we tend to be.
When we think about a palm tree, we normally envision a tree that is tall and lush. It is rather resilient through storms, as it tends to be flexible in nature. A palm tree strives to be the healthiest version of itself. It isn’t thinking about the animals around it, trying to be like them. The palm tree isn’t considering the other trees and foliage around it, as it is only concerned about living its best life. It is somewhat of a selfish perspective, to only think about our own needs for survival and thriving. However, the vast majority of living things on this earth do exactly that. They are all concerned about continuing to survive, reproduce, and live their life to the fullest before releasing into death.
To die is an important part of life. It opens up space and resources for the newer generations. It allows for the old to be shed and give way to the new. Plants do this all of the time. Old leaves shrivel and dry up, allowing the nutrients and water to be utilized by the newer leaves that are forming and growing. When we think of animals, we realize that animals only care for their own survival and wellbeing as well. They work hard to not be eaten by other animals, which means they strive to live as long as possible. They do not want to die young, nor do they want their offspring to die young. It is all about making it to adulthood, to reproduce, and to continue their specific kind. Plants, insects, animals, and water creatures all seek the same thing, to live to be the best version of themselves.
The interesting factor about humans is that we are able to use our magical mind to think about others. We concern ourselves about wildlife, deforestation, and pollution of the earth’s waterways. We also use our minds to compare our own existence to that of other people. We look at celebrities who appear to have it all, money, fame, luxury, and happiness. For those who are less fortunate, like homeless people, we can be cruel and tend to shun or frown upon their lifestyle. The majority of us humans live in between these two extremes. Somewhere between the range of having everything and having nothing is where most of us fall. Too often we get caught up in other people’s lives and successes, that we fail to see many things. We fail to recognize the amount of effort, sacrifice, and discipline that was put forth to attain the life of the successful. We also fail to recognize the trials and tribulations that led someone who once had a thriving life to become homeless. Most importantly, we fail to recognize whether where we are (in the present moment) is the absolute best version of ourselves. We neglect to recognize our own successes that have led us to the present day. There comes a time when we should pause and reflect on where we are in life, including everything that we have experienced up to this point. Then we need to think about where exactly we currently are in life. Is that a good and safe place to be, or do we need to take action to bring ourselves to a better and safer place in life? We should not compare our place in life to those around us. Like a palm tree and a fish and a bird, we are to focus on our own survival and development to live our best life. You need to strive to be the best version of you, and I need to be the best version of me.
We are all different, not only in our DNA, but in every aspect…our upbringing, values, traditions, aspirations, cultures, religions, etc. There are so, so many different variations. Each one is beautifully unique. You are not in competition with anyone else, not even with yourself. We are not competing against one another. It is vital that we realize and fully comprehend that we are here to become the best version of ourselves. No one should dictate to you who you should be nor how you should live your life. That is for you to determine and experience for yourself. Don’t attempt to copy somebody else’s life story either. Create your own distinct life story. Again, being the very best version of yourself. Parents, lovers, friends, family, and colleagues should not determine your life path. You determine your storyline, and you take action to pursue the best life that you can live in this lifetime. Free yourself from any predisposed expectations that others have imposed on you, or that you’ve imposed upon yourself. Simply think about and live what you believe would be the best version of your life story, up until the day that you die.
Like the palm tree, how do you sway and adapt to the various storms and challenges that you face through life? Also like the palm tree, what “fruits” do you want to bare in this lifetime? For humans these fruits can be anything from having children, writing a book, creating something incredible, helping or impacting many people, or whatever else you can envision for yourself. The reality is that we are each free to live and thrive as the best version of ourselves. The trajectory of life is normally not a smooth path, but you are responsible for advancing through it in your own unique way. Encountering your own unique experiences. Leaving behind your own unique signature or legacy. What is the best version of you? Visualize it clearly so that you can live it freely.
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