Even the Strongest

Yesterday, while hiking through one of my favorite forest trails, I saw a massive tree - majestic, rooted for decades, maybe even longer - had fallen.  Its base was thick and weathered, evidence of a long, grounded life.  This wasn’t some sapling taken out by a breeze.  It was one of those trees.  The kind that feels immovable.  Permanent.

But it had been toppled, likely by a recent storm.

And in that moment, I was struck by something deeply human. Even the strongest among us, those who’ve spent years building solid careers, strengthening their minds, bodies, and relationships, can break.  Not because they are weak, but because life can be unpredictable.  Circumstances shift.  Storms come.  And even the most resilient can be caught off guard.

We admire strength. We pursue mastery. We pride ourselves on resilience. But strength doesn’t make us immune.

That tree didn’t fall because it was weak. It fell because the conditions overwhelmed it.

The same happens in leadership. In business. In life.

Mental burnout.  Unexpected loss. Market downturns. Family emergencies. Health scares.

And when these storms hit, they often don't care about your title, tenure, or tenacity.

I left that hike with a renewed respect for the unseen challenges people carry, and a reminder to extend grace, to myself and others.

If you’ve weathered a personal or professional storm lately, I see you.  You're not alone.

And if you're standing strong today, use that strength to offer shade to someone else.

#Leadership #Resilience #MentalHealth #Perspective #Coaching #HumanCenteredLeadership