The Giving Tree Mentality
I recently revisited one of my favorite iconic books, The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein.
The book is actually marketed to “all ages.” I couldn’t agree more!
As I recounted the story with my 3-year-old granddaughter, it reminded me of the importance of reciprocal giving in our everyday lives. It caused me to pause and take note of my personal relationship with giving, in general.
The Giving Tree story is a simple one. The tale unveils the evolution of the lifelong relationship between a tree and a boy. Growing up, the boy would visit the tree every day. Each day the tree offered a little bit more of herself. Branches to swing on. Apples to eat. A trunk to climb and lean on. Shade from the sun. The tree gave and gave and was happy.
As the boy grew older, he began to want more. As he matured into adulthood, he continued to need more. Apples to sell for monetary gain. Cut branches for lumber. The ultimate ask was for the tree’s trunk to fabricate a boat to “get way from it all”.
The story closes with a strong realization. Though the tree yearned to give the now elderly man the experiences he had provided early in their relationship, the man no longer needed nor desired those. He had accepted his old age had learned to value the simple pleasures of life. The tree’s warm invitation to provide her stump for a peaceful rest was a beautiful gesture. The man gladly accepted. They both were happy.
Sometimes I find myself going a bit overboard in giving of my time and talent. It comes from a good place; however, it often results in overbooking my schedule, unwarranted stress and not enough down time to recharge. But, like the Giving Tree, it makes me happy.
Admittedly, I can also act like the boy; sometimes selfishly, asking for more when clearly my go-to resources are mentally and/or physically spent. Whether it’s a friend, a colleague, a client or family member, I need to remind myself that while they are all about giving, I need to provide the appropriate love and care in return. Frankly, I need to do a much better job in demonstrating compassion and appreciation. It’s really not that complicated.
My 3-year-old granddaughter said it best. “All the tree wanted was to be loved.”
Mr. Silverstein’s magical parable punctuates that giving is a gift. A gift worth celebrating.
