Lessons from the Olive Tree 4: Standing Alone, From the 25 Days of Minis Portfolio, 2023, Acrylic on panel, 8 x 8 inches

Steadfast endurance is exhibited by olive trees, with their evergreen nature. When left alone, an olive tree can focus its energy on growth and fruit production. Periodic pruning can help maintain its health, encouraging new growth and higher fruit yields.

When comparing us humans to the characteristics of olive trees it occurs to me we possess a similar evergreen-ness to our spirit. Alone in an ever-changing world, we continue forward.

Thinking of how many times I've felt alone in various endeavors, it seems that in spite of aloneness, I've managed to endure. I consider myself low-maintenance in the sense that it only takes periodic attention from those I hold most dear for me to feel loved and nurtured. I also notice consistency helps to grow that confidence as well.