The Best Time to Plant a Tree:An Unconventional Earth Day Reflection

By Erika Fehrenbach Prell

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. 
The second best time is now.
Chinese Proverb

Have you ever seen a tree removed from the ground? You probably know this but there’s a whole lot of tree under the earth that you can’t see. Like many things, however, knowing and seeing are totally different experiences. Right now, there is a house being built next door, and tree removal was a two-week source of entertainment at our house. It’s a-maz-ing that even the tiniest of trees requires significant force and energy to extract.

It all started from a tiny seed growing into these towering trees balanced by an equally impressive root system. This little seed needed a few key pieces to release it’s potential, though. A seed is just a seed until it is buried in the ground, where it can receive the nutrients it needs to grow paired with time. A towering tree does not grow overnight, rather slowly and steadily over many, many months and years, so slowly that you don’t really notice the progress. It takes time, but you will never get a sturdy tree without planting. It might take 20 years but 20 years only gets closer after you plant the seed.

Time has a funny way of getting away from us. Have you ever realized you missed an opportunity? Then, a period of time goes by and you are like...dang it...if I had only started it 6 months ago or stuck with it, I would be there by now. Regret sets in, followed by self-doubt and lack of confidence. Spoiler alert! Feelings of regret have no place in your best life journey; this will only promote negativity and limitations instead of positivity and possibility.

This tree proverb is the perfect analogy for your best life growth mindset. Instead of regret for a missed opportunity, reset that mindset to the lesson to be learned; future success hinges getting started. If you want success and growth in your future, the best time to start is now. Stop waiting for someday. Take messy action today; the first little steps in the direction of what you want. Then, show up the next day and the day after that with the same intention. So, you missed the opportunity to start 6 months ago, so what! That can’t be changed, and that wasted time is gone. All you can do is choose to start now.

Today is Earth Day, a day that typically inspires actions to make this rock we call home better. Trees will be planted. Leaves and other fall debris will be cleared to make room for new spring growth. Litter will be picked up. All in the name of renewal and growth. Seems like the perfect opportunity to do the same in your own life, DreamChaser! 

Take that dream, that little seed of hope, and plant it. Nourish it every day with the little actions needed to make it grow. Give it the time it needs to progress. Stay the course and believe in yourself. Let the potential of that dream flourish into reality!

Need some planting inspiration? Here are 10 little seeds to plant in your life!

1. Want to exercise more? Set aside 10 minutes every day to walk or run.
2. Want to decrease stress? Start your day with 3-5 minutes of mediation.
3. Want to eat better? Exchange 1 unhealthy food with a healthier alternative.
4. Want to get rid of coffee? Decrease by ½ cup every week.
5. Want to drink more water? Get a cute water bottle to carry with you every day.
6. Want to save more? Set up your bank account to take out 10% from your paycheck every time you get paid. 
7. Want to get more organized? Get a calendar app on your phone.
8. Want more quality time? Schedule date nights with your significant other and children,
9. Want more self care? Schedule in time for yourself every day and actually stick with following through.
10. Want to read more? Try audiobooks during “wasted time” like driving or folding laundry.

Seems simple, right? It is. Just start. That is the only way to make a dream a reality. You got this! Shine on!