View of the Forest: How Do You Navigate the Trees?
I just spent four fun-filled days with my dear friend Ronni and her adorable son, and I'm so selfish, I didn't want it to end. Have been suffering visitor withdrawal symptoms since:
But I don't need a pill to cure this ill. All it takes is a little perspective. Ironically, I learned this from Ronni — Gotta step back and see the forest, not just the individual trees...
That's an excerpt from an email I wrote to her not long after I'd moved to Las Vegas, so I hope she doesn't mind that I'm digging it up and sharing it here. At the time, I was in major transition. Coming here on my own with just what would fit in a Honda was a giant leap of faith. I'd rolled the dice, and taken a job here. I was in what-have-I-done freak out phase.
Flash forward five years, and that crisis seems laughable. A good reminder that everything seems to work out all right. Yet here we sat the other night discussing life's obstacles du jour. God love Ronni, she helped me navigate another imaginary tree.
So I'm perched here today looking out over the forest feeling thankful to have such a great friend. What about you? I'd love to hear how you keep sight of the forest on your path despite the inevitable trees obstructing your view.
For more articles on the topic of friends, visit Theme Thursday.
- Repeated storytelling
- Psychotic giggling
- Excessive cuddling on the disinterested cat
- Dramatic sighing
- Compulsive airfare researching
- Over-Caffeinating
- Driving in circles
- Flashbacks
But I don't need a pill to cure this ill. All it takes is a little perspective. Ironically, I learned this from Ronni — Gotta step back and see the forest, not just the individual trees...
 Photo: Michael Seljos | We just got off the phone, and I feel great. I'm familiar with this feeling of clarity, because I always have it after talking to you. I know my happiness is my responsibility, but I turn to you because you help me navigate the path around whatever tree is blocking my view of the forest. You don't judge if I decide to climb over the tree instead of the much shorter trail to the right. You don't manipulate me into swinging from the vine you'd use in my situation. You don't compete to get around it faster. And you don't pretend it's not there as a sop to my ego. You're patient and kind and wise. You let me obsess over every preposition until I realize I can go through the tree, because I'm the one who planted the seed. Thank you for understanding why it's so damned important to see the forest in the first place. My worst fear in the world is building a house in that old tree. |
That's an excerpt from an email I wrote to her not long after I'd moved to Las Vegas, so I hope she doesn't mind that I'm digging it up and sharing it here. At the time, I was in major transition. Coming here on my own with just what would fit in a Honda was a giant leap of faith. I'd rolled the dice, and taken a job here. I was in what-have-I-done freak out phase.
Flash forward five years, and that crisis seems laughable. A good reminder that everything seems to work out all right. Yet here we sat the other night discussing life's obstacles du jour. God love Ronni, she helped me navigate another imaginary tree.
So I'm perched here today looking out over the forest feeling thankful to have such a great friend. What about you? I'd love to hear how you keep sight of the forest on your path despite the inevitable trees obstructing your view.
For more articles on the topic of friends, visit Theme Thursday.
I love this entry. It is so touching. We don't choose our families, but we do pick our family of friends. Lucky us! That Ronnie is WONDERFUL, and I am so glad that you had a nice visit.
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Amen, Sister! I'm in favor of a coordinated visit next time -- of course, with the three of us together, we'll be swinging from the trees. Weeeeee! OK, back to compulsive airfare researching!
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I just want it known that I have nothing against tree houses! As a matter of fact, I think they're great. So- tie up a hammock and stay awhile- and enjoy.
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A tree house would be fun to decorate, no? I'm mentally picking out curtains... have to go for leopard print or something, because this is a metaphor gone wild.
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I'm glad you have such a wonderful friend in Ronni. I agree with Cecilia - "We don't choose our families, but we do pick our family of friends. Lucky us!"
I love my family, but I love my friends, too - especially my best friend, my hubby. He, more than anyone, helps me see the forest when I'm blinded by the trees, which happens more often than I'd like.
Thanks for sharing, as always.
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Agreed -- Lucky us, indeed! I am certainly lucky to have a lot of people, including family, in my life that help me keep an eye on the big picture. I'm sure you and your hubby enjoy long enlightening walks in the woods of Northern Michigan. Thanks for your comment.
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I commented on this post earlier, but I forgot to tell you that, for being such an awesome blog commenter, I decided to honor you with the "You Don't Say? Super Comments Award"! Thanks for making such meaningful contributions to my fledgling blog. Come pick up the award when you get a chance!
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Friends like Ronni only come along every so often. I have friends like her who are just there for me when I need them. Often, they don't have to say a thing. Great post!
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A beautiful account of a friendship and trees. Have you visited th festival of trees?
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Wonderful to have non judgemental friends. I've made a particular friend over email during his difficult transition and it's so rewarding to speak to him now knowing he's made good choices and I was part of helping him.
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