Understanding Change: Roots and Fruit

This week I want to continue in the theme of understanding change. Since effective change is an important part of moving into our dreams, it is important to look for insight from different angles. 

Another way of looking at change draws on ancient teachings about the origin of fruit in our lives. It links the fruit we produce to the type of roots we have.  

"Each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush."

So what do we mean when we talk about fruit and roots?

The fruit of our life is what we produce in the different seasons of our life. You could call it results or productivity. 

Fruit is highly visible. 

It is what we admire in others accomplishments. It is usually what we want to create more of as we move into our dreams. 

In contrast, the roots of our life are what anchor us and what we draw from. 

Roots are more stable than fruit. They may also be less visible than fruit, like character or core values.  

We often overlook roots in the pursuit of our dreams. 

As we move into our dreams, it is tempting to focus our efforts on the fruit we want to produce. But the roots of our life ultimately define the fruit from our life. If we want to change the fruit, then we need to deal with our roots.

So what is at the root of your life? Here is how I answer that question...whatever I feed myself on when things are not going well, is my root.  

If I feed myself on passivity or procrastination, 

it should be no surprise that fruit does not form or grow. 

If I resort to excuses, 

then my fruit will be inconsistent. 

If I choose to escape, 

I will only deceive myself about the fruit I am producing. 

But if I draw on my higher purpose, 

I can expect to produce fruit that will be greater than the resources at hand.

If I am nourished by my vision and core values, 

then fruit that is authentic and satisfying will result.

Remember, whatever you feed yourself on when you are under pressure will define you.  By paying attention to your roots first, you will prepare the conditions for producing fruit as you move into your dreams.