Last month, I was in Shimla and near our homestay I saw this unusual sight, which I was quick to capture in my phone. You can see here that a tree is growing through a wall. A wall, yes!!
I am sure that its roots must be long and strong in the ground on the other side of 
the wall. But that’s not the point. The point is that this tree had obstacles in its way, well, it was up against a wall, literally and figuratively. And it is still growing. It is not merely surviving but thriving… surthriving that is. See, how tall, towering and green it is, and it’s contributing to the world around it, selflessly.
There’s a lot that we can learn from this particular tree. It’s about surthriving despite the adversities.
We know, life is full of challenges but how do we respond to these surprises that come our way? The problems that we face are not the problems, actually. The problem is the way we approach these problems. Do we allow the setbacks to pull us down and discourage us? Or do we use the problem as a stepping stone and move ahead anyway.
This tree reminds me of us… KG and I. These past few years have been pretty challenging for us, work wise that is. Today, when I look back, I realize that we did not get broken down by the adverse winds. We surthrived even in the most difficult of circumstances. Positive attitude, not playing the victim card, resilience, taking control of the situation, looking at solutions, never giving up were some of the things that helped us tide over the tough times.
Like this tree, we surthrived and I am so glad and proud of that.
How do you respond when life throws you a curveball? Do share your surthrival stories in the comment box below. I am all ears!
Linking this to Thursday Tree Love, a photo feature hosted by Parul Thakur. If you would like to play along, post a picture of a tree on your blog and link up using the linky. Let’s come together to appreciate the beautiful nature around us.
35 Responses
Well I like to think that I rise up to any challenge and like the tree , grow through the wall
That’s an amazing spirit to have, Sunita. More power to you 🙂
I really like this! What a unique tree. Yes, we can thrive under any circumstance. It’s all in having a “can do” attitude and adapting. And I know I receive additional strength through my Savior, Jesus Christ. With Him anything is possible.
Love your perspective, Camy. Yes, a positive attitude can achieve wonders. And yes, with God on our side, anything is possible.
What an amazing tree! I like the word—’surthrive’! I can relate to the word and the thought behind it very deeply, when I look back at some of the difficult years I’ve had in the past when it was so easy and almost normal to have given up on something but something made me put up a brave face and fight it out, head-on! I feel great when I’m able to surthrive these challenges of life, Shilpa.
Ability to bounce back from setbacks is truly commendable. And looking back at our journey of how we overcame the obstacles fills us with pride and gratitude. Thanks for sharing, Esha.
What an amazing tree. In my school we had a tree that went through the middle of our library. This tree brought back that childhood memory.
Middle of the library. Wow! Reading under that tree in the library would be one amazing experience. 🙂
What a tree! And I’ve seen so many trees that grow in a narrow space or around hurdles. Indeed, they teach us a lot. Yes, I’ve had a few challenges too over the years and in fact, there is a huge challenge currently. But, like the tree, I will find my way around it.
Oh yes, trees truly teach us a lot about persistence and overcoming obstacles and still thriving. Hope things are better at your end, Rachna. Take care and all the very best!
Lovely analogy Shilpa!!!
Thank you, Susan. Long time, how have you been!
Thanks for dropping by! 🙂
This is beautiful and I loved the analogy. I am reminded on the post I did once on a flower like this 🙂 http://happinessandfood.com/dare-to-do-things-differently/
In Bangalore, coconut trees are not cut and almost every day I see trees that are in a house going through the ceiling. It’s an amazing sight that I have now got used to. Thank you for joining 🙂
Wow! I would love to see a house with trees going through the ceilings! Thanks for hosting, Parul. 🙂
Oh that’s a great pic and surely inspiring too. Agree with you we need to.come out like a champion like this tree. Good one.
True that. Thanks for dropping by, Deepa 🙂
That tree is amazing, in my school there was a tree which was half in and half out ( the school was home based) so pretty homely and unschool like!
When life throws challenges on me, my first reaction is a meltdown! I do gather myself later but need to fix my initial reaction!
Nice post!
Wow! That would be an amazing sight and a great place to learn too. Yes, chin-up and face the challenge with determination is the way it should be. Thanks Zainab 🙂
It is a surthriver and an inspiration.Let no one cave in to pressure and problems. I am like this brave tree, nothing keeps me down. Great post, best of luck to you…take care.
You are a rock star, Sulekha 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words.
There is a proverbial phrase here. When life hands you lemons, make a lemonade.
Yes, can-do attitude in the face of adversity is the way to do it!
I have seen trees survive in some near-impossible situations including rock walls near highways, and on rooftops of abandoned buildings (we have enough of the latter here in the Binghamton, New York area). Hopefully I will never be put in a similar situation!
Amen to that, Alana 🙂
I loved your analogy. There are lessons in survival all around us only if we pause to look. Hope both you and KG are doing well now.
Thanks a lot, Tulika. Yes, all well now. 🙂
So nice to be talking about trees and learning lessons from them. I have learnt never to give up in life, no matter what:) my friends say I am very strong and courageous.. .. I guess the challenges in my life has made me what I am today and I am happy, otherwise I would never have learnt my lessons. I am grateful for every challenge I faced as an individual and also as a family, like this tree I have grown through the curves…
Love your attitude and outlook towards life, Genevive and so proud of you too. 🙂
Nature provides us with so much inspiration. Even I am sometimes amazed by how a flower can grow between rocks. This tree is sure surviving through all kinds of obstacle. Wonderful capture too.
Wish both of you good times and hope the struggles you were facing are over.
Oh yes, nature teaches us a lot about what it takes to survive despite the obstacles. Thanks a lot, Raj and yes hopefully the challenges are behind us for good now. 🙂
Incredible! But what a powerful lesson. Thank you for that.
Thanks a lot, glad you liked this post SS 🙂
Lovely metaphor. Every time I see a plant that has surfaced through hard packed dirt or rock or asphalt alongside the road, I’m impressed by nature and assured that it’s will to live and thrive is strong.
Oh yes, we have stunning examples of nature’s resilience all around us. And they truly inspire us, isnt it!!