You don’t need to complete the tree in any specificĪfter you complete your tree, study it. As you complete each part of the tree, memories and ideas will come to you. If you start with only one or two items per section, that’s fine. You can also include negative images you've had of yourself.ĭon’t rush this exercise. What don't you want to define you? Include past trauma, abuse, social pressure, or cultural standards. Identify what you no longer want in your life. How would you like to be remembered by the people you've touched in the world?Ĭompost Heap. Describe the legacies you wish to leave to others.

What impact did they have on you? What have they given to you over the years?įlowers & Seeds. Look at the names you wrote on your leaves. Describe the legacies that have been passed on to you. These may be friends, family, mentors, heroes, even pets.įruit. List the names of everyone who has positively influenced and supported you. What are your goals? What would you like to be in the future? Identify your long and short-term hopes and dreams. What makes you who you are today?īranches. What is your routine? What are your key activities? What is your cultural and ethnic identity? What influenced and shaped you as a child? Where did you live?

Then, fill in the various sections per the instructions below. Start by drawing a tree with a trunk, roots, branches, leaves, and fruit. By looking at each part of your story, you can discover how the past shaped who you are today and actively cultivate your tree to reflect the kind of person you want to be moving forward. The tree represents your past, present, and future. It is a useful tool that can help you visualize your life and develop your story. I discovered the Tree of Life in Nathan B. To have a meaningful life, you need to to know who you are, and one way to get to know yourself is to create a story for your life. Having meaning and purpose is one of the best ways to build resilience.

Tree of life meaning