How Strong Are Your Roots?

There was once a large oak tree in the corner of my front yard.  It was born long before I, and had spent many years guarding my home while comforting the people who lived there with it's cool shade and peaceful presence.  Last years' storms took it's toll on that tree and brought it crashing down on my roof, despite it's strong roots.  I can now look at those roots to realize that tree and I were not so very different.

I'm a beginner writer.  A "newbie" whose roots are just beginning to form.  I stand in the shelter of mighty writers who shower me with their wisdom and shelter me from self-doubts.  I am comforted by the fact that I do not stand alone in my writing.

I will take the time to develop strong roots.  I will read books on the craft of writing, attend workshops, plan for conferences and attend to my writing every day.  I stand tall in the knowledge that I am on the right path and can look around to see new friends on this journey with me.

Changes will come my way as a writer.  Critiques and rejection letters will only challenge me to polish the colors of my words until they shine brightly for the whole world to enjoy.  My roots grow deeper and I stand taller.  My confidence grows as the seasons change.

There will come a day when I become a mighty oak.  My roots will be strong and they will run deep with the knowledge of all who have come before me.  I will spread my branches to welcome other new writers into the sacred circle of authors and hope that I can shelter them as they try to grow to be their own strong self.

Who knows what wonders you can create when your roots are strong?