The story of the bamboo tree keeps appearing to me lately. And it is a perfect metaphor for life, for starting a business, for just about any endeavor. Personally it fits like a glove.
In 2008 I began planting the seeds of my business as a coach and creative catalyst. Now 5 years later I’m experiencing a growth spurt. And many of the “seeds” I planted are bearing fruit! Just like a bamboo tree.
A lesson in patience, faith and trust (and a little bit of pixie dust!)
Here’s the Story of Chinese Bamboo Tree
this is actually “lucky bamboo” – not a bamboo tree… but I love it anyway! (photo by Dawn Hanson at a Brief Intermission Retreat held at Jay’s Garden Boutique)
Growth of the Chinese Bamboo tree requires nurturing – water, fertile soil, sunshine.
In its first year, we cannot SEE any signs of activity.
In the second year, again, nothing visible above the soil.
The third, the fourth, still nothing.
This is when many give up and move on. Lose faith. It’s difficult to believe in what we can’t see. We begin to wonder if our efforts (caring, water, etc.) will ever be rewarded.
But then…in the fifth year – the bamboo tree breaks the soil and grows 80 feet in just six weeks!
Call it a miracle.
Call it overnight success.
Or know that it is really about belief in what you have to offer the world.
Pay attention.
Think bigger.
Put it out there.
Get busy!
All it takes is patience, faith and trust and ACTION (and a little bit of pixie dust!)
