The President's Message 12/16/24

“I realise there's something incredibly honest about trees in winter, how they're experts at letting things go.” – Jeffrey McDaniel

As winter settles in, it's easy to feel the weight of holiday stress, the blues that come with shorter days, and the reflection on the year that has passed. Many of us find ourselves ruminating—dwelling on what went wrong, who hurt us, and how we ended up where we are. It’s a natural tendency to look backward during this quieter, colder season. But as Jeffrey McDaniel reminds us, trees in winter are “experts at letting things go.” There’s an honesty in their bare branches, a reminder that this season isn’t about clinging to the past, but about releasing what no longer serves us.

Contrary to popular opinion, winter is not just a dreary, lifeless season. It is a time for rest, refreshment, and revitalization. Just as trees shed their leaves to conserve energy and prepare for new growth, we too can use this time to let go of old burdens, patterns of negative thinking, or past wounds that weigh us down.

The trees aren’t in despair because they’ve lost their leaves—they are preparing for renewal. And perhaps we can take a page from their playbook, recognizing that letting go is not a sign of loss, but a necessary step toward growth.

Instead of focusing on what went wrong or who contributed to our current situation, winter gives us the perfect opportunity to shift our focus inward. What can we do to recharge, to nourish our minds and bodies? Maybe it’s carving out time for self-care, whether that’s through reading, journaling, or meditative practices. Maybe it’s setting boundaries during the holidays, making space for ourselves amidst the busyness of family gatherings and celebrations. Just like the trees, we need to conserve our energy for what truly matters—our well-being, our personal growth, and our mental health.

This season also invites us to reflect on our self-image. How do we see ourselves, and how can we improve that picture? Winter offers a quiet space to redefine what we believe about ourselves, to challenge the negative self-talk that may have crept in over the year. Can we learn to see ourselves with the same honesty that trees display in their bare state, recognizing that we are not defined by our failures or setbacks, but by our ability to grow, adapt, and bloom again? What if, instead of harsh criticism, we extended grace and kindness to ourselves, recognizing that this period of rest is essential for the seasons of productivity and vibrancy that lie ahead?

As you move through the winter season, I challenge you to embrace the wisdom of the trees. Let go of what’s weighing you down—the grudges, the hurt, the disappointments. Focus instead on recharging, on improving your mindset, and on cultivating a healthier self-image. This season of stillness is not a punishment or something to “get through”; it’s an opportunity to prepare for your next chapter. Just like the trees, you too can emerge from winter stronger, refreshed, and ready to flourish.