Monday Morning Match is a simple post – maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea – intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.

“Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.”

― Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree

If a Tree Falls in the Yard…

We took down a large birch tree in our back yard that had died. When it was alive and in full bloom, it provided shade, breeze, and welcomed privacy as we would enjoy evening dinners and drinks on our back patio.

When Spring arrived this year we hoped the leaves would return, but it wasn’t to be. Even with no leaves, the large trunk and branches still provided a nice canopy and seclusion. Dry conditions and risk of damaging our fence in any new storm meant we needed to take the tree down. Last week the crew showed up with chainsaws and ropes and removed the skeleton of the vibrant tree that once stood.*

The morning sunlight now bakes the patio, there is no more breeze rustling through the branches, and any privacy from the neighbors is only below the 6’ privacy fence. It’s funny how when I sit on the patio in the morning now for my early meditation and coffee, I see different things. I watch birds that normally would have perched in that old birch tree now find a morning roost in distant trees and rooftops. The sun breaks differently over the distant horizon. There is simply a wider swath of life to observe and take in.

Fire Up Your Chainsaw

What trees do you need to cut down that might be blocking a new view? Are you sitting underneath dead trees that don’t provide the shade or breeze they once used to because having them still towering overhead provides comfort and security? What might happen if you woke up tomorrow and suddenly saw, heard, or felt new things? Not necessarily fewer distractions, but different events or opportunities to help you recalibrate, refocus, and remind you of the things you need to see? It’s ironic but losing some branches in your midst just might help you branch out in your career.

If you’re gonna have success in the coming weeks, months, and years building relationships, solving problems, and having fun, then it’s time to remove the deadwood from your business. Start finding opportunities to plant new trees that can provide beauty, shade, and cool breezes you’ll be able to enjoy in the future.

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is today.”

Chinese Proverb

*The time it took the crew to completely remove the tree and clean up all the debris was less than 30 minutes. Sometimes the task of changing your view seems daunting and overwhelming but if you just start, before you know it, the sunshine hits you and you suddenly see things differently.

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