Growing Strong

My husband and I planted this maple tree for my sixtieth birthday.

After seeing many sugar maples in our area die over the years, I consulted with a landscaper to find the best variety for our area.

I’ve enjoyed watching it grow over the past two and a half years.

It’s grown at a rapid rate over the past year in spite of a drought last fall.

Recent windstorms caused it to bend and there appears to be some damage to the bark on the trunk.

Upon inspection I knew we had to do something to support it so it would have the opportunity to heal and thrive.

We staked it yesterday and will leave it supported for a full growing season.

From my research I learned that leaving a tree staked for too long can hinder its growth.

I started thinking…the same could be true for people.

There are seasons in our lives when we all need the support of friends, family, co-workers, etc.
But, on the other hand, lending support for an extended amount of time can inhibit confidence and the growth of an individual. It can create dependence.

As a former teacher, I would teach my students, especially those who were prone to be dependent on me to “ask three” other students if they had a problem they couldn’t solve on their own. This practice served to accomplish a few objectives:

Exhausting all avenues to find a solution independently

Communicating the problem to others

Learning to ask for support when it’s needed

When they came to me I asked them to tell me the names of three people in the class they had sought help from before come to me.

Asking for support from others is sometimes a necessary practice because we all need it from time to time. But, in my opinion, It doesn’t need to become a habit.

It was my goal to see my students grow and I strategically planned for activities and experiences that would challenge them, bolster their confidence as well as their independence.

Parents, mentors and good leaders also have this as their goal.

What are your thoughts on this theory or practice?

#opportunity #growth #people #leaders #support #students