Sometimes it seems like we’re having to heave ourselves uphill all the time on what feels like a daily Sisyphean merry-go-round.

Every once in a while though, we break through with clarity of purpose and an outpouring of joy for what’s ahead. That’s what this tree, leaning far over and away from the continual sea breezes at Sea Ranch in Northern California, seems to be doing. It’s as if it started life knowing full well it’d be challenging growing in the presence of such strong winds. And yet…

Perhaps that’s all part of this great big life we have on this beautiful blue marble. We’re the types who show up in full, knowing there may be big challenges; and deciding to be there for ourselves and each other anyway, just like that tree. Because it’s what we do.