What a Tree Taught Me About Staying Grounded When the World is overwhelming
Weekly Dose of Work Recovery Vol. 7.9.25
How a Tree Taught Me Essential Lessons for Living
There’s an image from a nearby preserve that’s stayed with me for more than 15 years. A single big tree in a large prairie field, often battered by storms, shaped by seasons, standing alone yet steady.
I think of it as my tree.
It’s weathered so much, but it hasn’t broken. And when the wind picks up, it doesn’t resist. It doesn’t fight the storm. It sways.
That image has been a quiet teacher in a world that rarely slows down. And lately, with the news cycle hitting harder and faster than ever, it’s become more than just a metaphor. It’s a survival strategy.
“When the world’s heavy on my shoulders
Even gravity can’t hold her down
But I keep swayin', swayin' with the wind
Tryna stay rooted, tryna stay zen…” - Kacey Musgraves, Sway
The News Cycle is Crushing Our Nervous Systems
Every day, another heartbreaking story. Another tragedy. Another alert. Another "breaking" headline that breaks something open in us too. Compassion fatigue is real.
It’s admirable and even essential to care deeply and channel our collective grief to find a way to give back. But the truth is, there’s no trophy for carrying the weight of the world alone.
And yet many of us do—especially if you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone with a sensitive system who feels it all.
Even our empathy needs recovery.
Even our attention needs rest.
Even our soul needs space to return to what matters.
Work Isn’t the Only Thing That Demands Recovery
Around here we talk about how essential Work Recovery is, and we talk a lot about how chronic stress at work takes a toll on your nervous system, your energy, and your sense of self.
But it's not just work that weighs us down - mentally and physically:
The news, the pace of the world, the endless notifications and tragedies—they also require recovery.
We’ve become so used to processing in real time that we don’t give ourselves space to feel or heal. So if you’ve been asking lately, What’s the point of chasing my goals when the world is this broken?, just know—you’re not alone.
But here’s what I know for sure:
✨ Your energy and attention are your most precious resources.
✨ Where you place them determines how you show up, what you create, and whether you survive the storm—or stay rooted through it.
✨ The most powerful thing you can do is take time daily to recover your energy.
Recovery Isn’t a Luxury. It’s a Lifeline.
So how do you root down when the world adds too much to your already full plate? Here’s what’s helped me:
Micro recoveries. 2-5 minute check-ins with your breath, your body, or a favorite song (Sway, anyone?).
Boundaries around news consumption. You can stay informed without drowning.
Time in nature. Trees don’t rush. Birds don’t scroll. They just are.
Asking: What actually matters right now? Recalibrate to your real priorities. One way to do this is to consider yourself at 80 years old, what will she be most proud of?
And above all: Allow yourself to sway. Return to your roots and when things feel dark or hopeless or like the sadness will never end, sway. It's just a season.
— Bree
P.S. If you’ve been overwhelmed and wondering what your next right step is, reply to this email and share what’s been taking up the most space in your heart and head lately. I’ll personally reply and offer a resource or reflection to support you. You're not alone.
This Week's Did You Know? Working long hours alters your brain…
In a new study, researchers found that people who overworked (more than 52 hours) had significant changes in their brain. They cited the brutal combination of physical and emotional overexertion, as well as lack of rest, as instigators for the brain changes. We knew overworking was bad for your health but changing the structure of the brain is a new low. Yet another reason work-life harmony is essential…
Source: CNN, Working Long Hours? It Could Be Altering the Structure of Your Brain
Links & Resources We Love Right Now
A listen: On the Ten Percent Happier podcast with journalist Dan Harris, Ezra Klein talks about sane news consumption with tips on how to navigate the endless, awful news cycle.
A learn: Good sunscreen is hard to find. We all got sunburned despite wearing and reapplying sunscreen a bunch the past few weeks. Did you know after you towel off you need to reapply? That's a lot of sunscreen needed.
A shoutout: Crosby, MN. A small iron range town that has exploded in popularity after pivoting from a sleepy, declining mining town to a bold biking community with Cuyuna Country Regional Parks. If you're ever in northern MN lake country, check out the handmade mercantile Smith + Trade to be amazed at the beauty wares people create.
Something I love: Resets. After a whirlwind May & June, this month feels like a huge reset with a nearly open calendar (post 4th holiday) perfect to reset our health, financial, and business goals. We're back to low spend challenge, walking 60+ mins daily, and redesigning our work days to support our second half goals.
