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Fallen Trees = New Growth It is no secret that 2025 was a challenging year for many locally and globally. So much loss. So much rebuilding, not only of materials, but also of hearts and emotional well-being. The year felt defined by struggle and overcoming for so many of us. Depression rates in the US have been at an all time high since 2024, loneliness continues to be an epidemic, and anxiety is only increasing year over year. It can feel, at times, that no matter where you look, there is something going terribly wrong and destruction is running the show. And yet, in the midst of tragedy, I have observed tremendous resilience both in my personal and professional realms. People have shown up for one another in profound ways. Long after the news coverage has moved on, distribution sites are still active passing out supplies to people in need. Despite uncertainty, hope has been evident as communities band together in new ways. Generosity has poured out and many have been served, seen, and cared for. Slowly but surely, regrowth after tragedy is taking place all over. Recent rain storms have brought about vibrant green patches on the San Gabriel Mountains less than a year after the LA fires ravaged communities. Plans to rebuild structures are well on their way. Families have grieved and grown together. The trend seems to be that when something is lost, something familiar yet different is often around the corner. There is a natural process at play in which loss leads to new life in one form or another. All of this activity has me reflecting on the cyclical nature of loss leading to unexpected growth. I recall being in Montana a couple years ago and driving by large burn scars. I saw signs nearby about how fires that occur naturally need to be allowed to run their course so that the circle of life can take place. It made me wonder…could we see loss and hardship as an opportunity to greater potential - a chance to renew mind, body, and spirit - if we are taking our cues from nature? Is there truth to the notion that hitting rock bottom makes you appreciate the peaks in life that much more? The image above feels representative of this idea. Trees fall when they are sick, grow old, when lightning strikes, or when fires and floods rush through a forest. There are so many reasons why this may occur, but a key note here is that trees do not fall because they failed or because they didn’t deserve to exist anymore. Falling is not inherently bad or shameful. In contrast, fallen trees become the nutrients in the soil for the next iteration of trees. What is lost becomes sustenance - what a beautiful image. While there may be pain in letting go of what was to make room for what is developing, the best way to do that work is by opening yourself up to reflection and taking steps toward the next inevitable chapter. Allow all that has been lost to strengthen and fortify you as you move forward. May this upcoming year find us as our most nourished selves, standing on the shoulders of all we’ve been through. Mountain clarity: Loss and growth are rarely linear. Be patient with yourself as you navigate both. What really matters is your dedication to your healing journey as you process your fallen trees and notice the new sprouts that are coming up. Journal prompts for reflection: As we start this new year, does the idea that aspects of life sometimes die to create space for newness resonate with you? What is it bringing up for you? Are you someone who tends to compartmentalize tragedy and renewal? Have they felt like two steps in the same direction? What is your process? Even though we just started 2026, what are some “sprouts” you are already seeing from the emotional work you put in last year? How can you continue to foster new growth and personal development this year? Is there something you’re already doing that you’d like to renew your commitment to? If hardship comes your way, who do you reach out to? How supported do you feel by the people around you? Is there anything you would want to change or do differently regarding how you show up for others during hard times or how they show up for you?
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