Trees

Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots.  They shed bark that has protected them in their young state of being, but is no longer needed.  And so we too may have created boundaries and developed defenses over the years to protect ourselves.  And then we realize that we no longer need that protection and we can let go of that protective layer and grow and expand to our full potential.

We may still choose to keep some boundaries and defenses for that vulnerable part of ourselves, but we can also trust our inner self to soften, loosen and discard some defenses that no longer serve us, so that we can go more confidently into the summer or autumn of our lives.  It is never too late to assess and adjust.