By Jen Slayden
I recently rode my bike up to Marshall Mountain Ski area. Usually at this time of year, the colors in the trees an awesome array of autumn’s beauty. Unfortunately, the cold snap that hit Missoula killed most of the leaves before they were able to show off their vibrant colors. What’s left? Several brown/black colors that continue to cling to the branch despite being dead.
Cyndi Lauper popped into my head as I pushed the pedals, “I see your true colors shining through…..” But, I wasn’t seeing those colors at all.
How often as moms have we shown OUR true colors? When we are stressed, overtired, under appreciated and putting everybody else first, our spirit can sometimes be like those dead leaves hanging on regardless of how beautiful our inner colors are.
As I approached the top of the mountain I stopped, rested, and turned around. Before me was an awesome view of the mountain range below. As I hydrated and drank in the stunning view something struck me. The mountain range to the south had consistent, spectacular gold and yellow coloring that I identified as the larches.
Gorgeous. Consistent. Why did they do alright in the cold, when all the other trees did not? The tamaracks are strong, healthy, and adaptable to environment. In addition, these trees have been used in medicinal ways for years, treating everything from skin inflictions, melancholy, menstrual problems and digestive issues.
Looking for peace? Just look to the larches. Moms can benefit by learning that we don’t always have to be radiantly beautiful and full of answers. But we don’t have to completely lose our luster during challenging times, either. We can be strong, dependable, and adaptable like the larch by being gentle with ourselves and dedicating time for renewal each day, even for just a minute. We can also let go of relationships and ideas that we have held onto long after they have dried up and faded. We can renew and strengthen relationships and ideas that are worthy of our time and energy because we know they will be consistently healthy and radiant while adding to our overall wellness and joy.
“Don’t be afraid to let them show…your true colors, true colors are beautiful…..” Cyndi Lauper
Jen Slayden is a Certified Life Coach, Educator, avid runner and musician. She helps women tune into their creative side to live for today and believe in tomorrow. Jen is married and has three children and a Marley-type dog. Quality family time is always a priority. When combined with life coaching, marathon training, working with the Center for Music by People with Disabilities, and teaching cello lessons, it’s safe to say that Jen leads a full, busy life. “I dwell in the simple pleasures of life to keep me balanced and healthy.” In her spare time she plays music with her children and niece in their family band “Blue Mountain Music Makers”. Read more about Jen and Life Coaching at www.bigskylifecoach.com .
Love what you read? Share it!
Email This Post
Connect with us!
Give me of your roots, O Tamarack!
Of your fibrous roots, O Larch-tree!
My canoe to bind together,
So to bind the ends together
That the water may not enter,
That the river may not wet me!”
And the Larch, with all its fibres,
Shivered in the air of morning,
Touched his forehead with its tassels,
Slid, with one long sigh of sorrow.
“Take them all, O Hiawatha!”
From the earth he tore the fibres,
Tore the tough roots of the Larch-tree,
Closely sewed the hark together,
Bound it closely to the frame-work.
LOVE THAT! Thanks for sharing!
Love the last sentence about relationships. It is ironic that I ran into a woman today that I had wanted to be friends with for so long but know that we have nothing in common and we really don’t like each other much. I had a hard time reconciling that within myself. I thought the ideal was to be friends with everyone. But your right, this relationship is not worth the energy I would have to put into it.