February 28, 2025 • 11 mins
This podcast episode explores the impact of our inner circles on personal growth and emotional well-being. We dive into various types of relationships, likening them to trees in a forest that influence our lives in significant ways.
• Discussing the metaphor of social circles as forests
• Understanding the four types of trees: optimistic, empathetic, sensitive to energy, and grounded
• Presenting wisdoms for cultivating a flourishing social ecosystem
• Encouraging self-reflection on the influence of friends and their characteristics
Key Ideas and Supporting Details:
- The Core Principle: Nakashima asserts that the people we spend the most time with profoundly shape us. This is not just a saying but a proven phenomenon: "This is not merely a saying. It is a phenomenon I have witnessed repeatedly throughout my twenty years working with thousands of individuals seeking to transform their lives." The core concept is that we unconsciously absorb the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of those around us, ultimately influencing our own trajectory.
- The Forest Metaphor: Nakashima uses a vivid metaphor of a personal "forest" to illustrate the concept. The people in our lives are represented as different types of "trees," each contributing a unique influence (light, rain, wind, earth) to our growth: "What trees have you planted in your garden?"
- Different Types of Trees (People): Nakashima identifies four key types of "trees," each representing a specific influence or perspective:
- Trees That Face the Morning Sun: Optimistic, forward-thinking individuals who ask "Why?" and "How can this improve?" and who encourage growth and innovation. The example of the student who lost her optimism highlights how the wrong environment can dim one's light. "One of my students possessed from childhood an innate belief that 'tomorrow will surely be better.' But after entering the professional world, she found herself surrounded by voices saying, 'That's impossible' and 'Be realistic.'"
- Trees That Feel the Rain: Individuals sensitive to problems and challenges, asking "What's happening?" and "Where are the problems?" While valuable, an overabundance of these "trees" can create a negative and pessimistic atmosphere.
- Trees That Sense the Wind: Individuals attuned to social dynamics and relationships, feeling "Who am I with?" and "What currents are flowing?" These people are highly sensitive to their environment and require positive social currents to thrive. "Extremely sensitive to the forest's airflow, she couldn't display her true beauty in places with poor circulation."
- Trees That Connect with the Earth: Individuals focused on stability and grounding, valuing "What is certain?" and "What fruits will come?" An excess of this type can lead to stagnation and a lack of innovation.
- Cultivating Your Forest: Nakashima provides three "wisdoms" for nurturing one's personal "forest":
- Observe Your Forest: Become aware of the types of "trees" (people) in your life and the influence they have. "First, quietly observe what kinds of trees grow around you. What wind, light, rain, and soil do they bring you? Is your tree flourishing in this environment?"
- Sow New Seeds: Intentionally seek out relationships with people who offer different perspectives and positive influences. "Have the courage to visit forests where different types of trees grow. This doesn't mean cutting down existing trees – it
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
ever really think about the people you hang out
with most, like those in yourinner circle.
You know there's this idea youbecome like the average of the
five people closest to you, andwell, today we're deep diving
into that.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Oh, interesting.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
We're looking at Teru Nakashima's the Average of Five
, specifically an episode fromhis podcast all about
self-esteem.
He uses this really cool forestmetaphor to talk about how our
social circles impact us, whichI thought was fascinating.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Yeah, that's a vivid image.
I mean, we all kind of know thepeople we're around affect us,
but, like comparing them totrees, it helps you see it
differently, you know.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Absolutely so.
Nakashima's main point is thatthese five people have a huge
influence on well everything ourthoughts, how we act, even like
how our lives turn out.
He even gives this example ofan executive couldn't figure out
why his company just felt stuck.
Turns out everyone close to him, like all his advisors and
(00:56):
stuff, thought way too similarlyto him.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Ah, makes sense.
It's like if you try and grow aforest with only one type of
tree, it's not going to be veryhealthy, is it?
You need a mix, different kindsof trees, you know, with
different needs, differentstrengths, for the whole thing
to work.
So like thinking about your ownfriends, your family, that
circle.
What kind of forest are yougrowing?
Is it diverse, or is it a lotof the same type of tree?
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Okay, now I'm picturing everyone's friend
group as a forest.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
And to break this metaphor down even more,
nakashima actually gives usthese different types of people
we might find in our forests,like different kinds of trees.
Not about labeling people, justmore about understanding the
energy they bring.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
I like that.
Yeah, more like what role theyplay in your social ecosystem,
like, are they helping you growor are they maybe holding you
back a bit?
Speaker 1 (01:50):
Exactly so.
First up, we've got the treethat faces the morning sun.
This is that person who'salways looking ahead, optimistic
, always asking why and how canwe do better, all about
possibilities, total, brightertomorrow kind of person.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Right and think about that, just the effect of
someone like that.
Studies have shown thatoptimism it's like contagious
right being around positivepeople.
It just.
It lifts you up.
Less stress, maybe you evenfeel healthier physically.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
Makes sense.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Nakashima even talks about the student who was
naturally positive but then gotsurrounded by like a bunch of
negativity.
It almost crushed her spirit,you know, but then she found a
community, people who had thatsame like morning sun outlook,
and it reignited her own hope.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Wow, it's like those positive people gave her the
sunlight she needed to grow.
Exactly it really makes youthink about the energy you're
surrounding yourself with.
You know.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Absolutely.
And it's not just about findingthose positive people, but also
like how can we be more likethat ourselves?
How can we be more like thosetrees that face the morning sun
even when things are tough?
Speaker 1 (02:49):
That's a good question to think about.
But before we get too deep intothat, let's move on to the next
tree, the tree that feels therain.
This is the one who's like,super sensitive to everything
their own emotions, otherpeople's emotions.
They're usually the first tonotice problems or like if the
mood shifts yeah, we all knowsomeone like that, right.
Yeah, super empathetic, reallypicks up on all those little
(03:10):
social cues totally, andnakashima gives this example of
a client brilliant at spottingproblems, but, uh, always
surrounded by these negativepeople, and it was just like
overwhelming him, you know hecouldn't see past it.
But then he connected with somefolks who, even though they saw
the challenges, could alsostill see possibilities, and
(03:31):
that started to change thingsfor him.
So it's not that beingsensitive is bad.
It's about finding that,finding that balance.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Right, exactly.
You need those people who canhelp you process those feelings
and like see the bigger picture.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Exactly, and if you relate to this rain tree type,
maybe it's worth asking yourselfare the people you're around
helping you use your sensitivityin a good way, or is it just a
lot of negativity?
That's kind of amplifying itall.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
That's a good point.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
It's so true, finding those people who get it right.
Okay, ready for the next tree.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Yeah, hit me with it all right.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
So we've got the trees that sense the wind.
These are the ones like supertuned into those social vibes,
all that energy okay walk into aroom and just like feel the
mood instantly.
Nakashima talks about thisassistant really talented, but
she only really shined when thework environment was, you know,
positive, supportive that'sinteresting, this whole sensing
(04:26):
the wind thing.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
It reminds me of this concept in psychology.
What's it called Emotionalcontagion?
Basically, we pick up on otherpeople's emotions without even
realizing it.
Our moods, they sort of sync up, so, like if you're already
someone who's sensitive to thoseenergy shifts, yeah, your
surroundings are going to have abig impact.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
Wow, I didn't know there was like an actual term
for that.
So, thinking about the peoplein your life, you know who are
the ones who bring that goodenergy and who are the ones who
maybe you kind of feel drainedafter hanging out with them.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Yeah, totally.
It could be a friend, acoworker, whoever Just notice
those feelings, you know canhelp you be more deliberate
about who you're spending timewith, how you manage your own
energy too.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
Definitely Okay.
On to our last tree, and thisone, I really connected with it.
It's the trees that connectwith the earth, Right grounded
ones, practical, focused on,like solid results.
Nakashima tells this storyabout an editor so focused on
the roots you know the detailsof his work that he missed the
(05:31):
bigger picture, like all thoseopportunities to grow.
But then he started connectingwith people who had totally
different approaches, differentperspectives, and things really
took off for him.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
You know it's funny All these tree types.
They have good sides and not sogood sides, right Like being
grounded, focused on results.
That's great, but if it's allyou do, you might miss out on
some really cool ideas.
You know the stuff that comesfrom people who think a little
differently.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Totally Like.
A forest needs all kinds oftrees.
Yeah, that's what makes itstrong.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Exactly, Diversity is key.
Each tree brings somethingdifferent and for our own
forests it means you don't haveto have only morning sun people
to be happy.
Right, it's more about thatbalance of energies, what helps
you grow.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
So how do we actually make that happen, create that
balance?
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Well, luckily, nakashima gives us some ideas,
three wisdoms he calls them.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Not rules Right, more like guiding principles for
creating a healthier socialecosystem.
I guess you could say I likethat he calls them wisdoms,
because it's more about beingthoughtful than following strict
rules.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
Yeah, exactly.
So first one is observe yourforest.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
Which is something we probably don't do enough right.
We're just going, goingsurrounded by people.
We're not really stopping tothink about how they affect us.
Yes, true.
Like walking through a forestwithout actually seeing the
trees.
So Nakashima is saying slowdown.
Really, look at those peopleyou're spending your time with.
What's their energy like?
Do they lift you up or bringyou down?
Are they helping you grow ormaybe keeping you stuck?
Speaker 2 (06:59):
And it's not about judging anyone right Just
understanding what therelationship is really like, how
it affects you.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
And then, based on that, we can move to the second
wisdom, which is sow new seeds.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
So not like getting rid of your whole forest right,
More like being open to addingto it.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
Exactly, you don't get to ditch your friends, but
maybe you can branch out alittle.
Seek out people who havestrengths that you you might not
have, people with differentexperiences.
It could be joining a new club,taking a class or even just,
you know, talking to someone youwouldn't normally.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Stepping out of your comfort zone a little bit, you
know you never know who you'regoing to meet.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Could be a whole new kind of tree you never even knew
existed.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Exactly, and you might even become part of
someone else's forest too right,bringing your own energy to
their life.
And that actually leads us tothe third wisdom Nurture your
own roots and branches.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
This one.
It really got to me.
We're so focused on how othersare influencing us, but we
forget we're part of theirforests too, right.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
It's a two-way street right.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Yeah, our growth helps everyone.
It's like a symbiotic, I guess.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
That's a good word for it.
We get support.
We give support back.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
I like that.
It's not just about like taking, it's about contributing,
making sure the whole circle ishealthy.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
And you know, the more we grow ourselves, the
stronger we become, the betterwe can handle tough times.
We can offer shade to others.
You know, help out when thingsare rough.
Celebrate everyone's growth.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
That's a beautiful way to put it.
It's like we're all connectedOur actions, our choices, they
have a ripple effect.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
They do, and if we can be more aware of that, more
intentional, maybe we can createa world where everyone's forest
can thrive.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
Wow, so we covered a lot, huh, these different tree
types, that balance thing andall those wisdoms for, like,
building a good social circle.
But before we finish up, what,what really stuck out to you?
Speaker 2 (08:51):
You know, for me it's this whole idea of like
shifting how we seerelationships.
It's not just about who we hangout with, it's also how we, how
we interact with them.
You know how we help them growtoo.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Yeah, it's like we're all part of this huge forest
Right and we all affect eachother.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Exactly, and once you start seeing it that way,
you've got to be more mindful,more intentional.
Appreciate what each personbrings you know.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
That we can actually choose what kind of forest we're
creating.
Like we can plant good things,be supportive, encourage each
other, make it a place whereeveryone can do well.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
That's a great way to put it, where everyone can do
well, that's a great way to putit, and it makes me think if you
could invite anyone to yourforest, like anyone at all, who
would it be?
Could be someone from history,a book character, even like a
future you.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Ooh, that's a tough one.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Hmm.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
Who would I invite?
I think Maya Angelou.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Yeah, Her strength, her resilience and her words.
Just imagine the conversationssitting under a big old tree.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
That'd be amazing, all the stories she could tell,
the poems.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Exactly.
Okay, your turn.
Who's in your forest and whatkind of tree are they?
Speaker 2 (09:58):
You know what?
I think I'd invite a future meTen years from now, maybe
Someone who's gone through thestuff I'm going through now and
come out stronger on the otherside.
I bet that me would be like aredwood.
A redwood, yeah, you know, tall, strong, weathered a lot of
storms, but still standinggiving shade shelter to everyone
around them.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
That's powerful and it makes you realize like this
whole thing is about personalgrowth too right.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
We're not just shaping the forest, we're
growing within it too.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Totally.
We're always changing, learning, adapting, and the people
around us.
They're a big part of that.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
So, as you go about your day, I really want you to
think about your own forest,really look at it, appreciate
all the different trees you'vegot and think about those
wisdoms we talked about.
How can you make your forest aplace that really supports you,
helps you be your best self?
It's totally possible.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
It is, and who knows, maybe if we all focus on our
own forests, we can inspireothers to do the same.
You know, start a ripple effectof good stuff.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
That's a great thought to end on.
Thanks for joining us for thisdeep dive into the power of our
social circles.
ever really think about the people you hang out
with most, like those in yourinner circle.
You know there's this idea youbecome like the average of the
five people closest to you, andwell, today we're deep diving
into that.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Oh, interesting.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
We're looking at Teru Nakashima's the Average of Five
, specifically an episode fromhis podcast all about
self-esteem.
He uses this really cool forestmetaphor to talk about how our
social circles impact us, whichI thought was fascinating.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
Yeah, that's a vivid image.
I mean, we all kind of know thepeople we're around affect us,
but, like comparing them totrees, it helps you see it
differently, you know.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Absolutely so.
Nakashima's main point is thatthese five people have a huge
influence on well everything ourthoughts, how we act, even like
how our lives turn out.
He even gives this example ofan executive couldn't figure out
why his company just felt stuck.
Turns out everyone close to him, like all his advisors and
(00:56):
stuff, thought way too similarlyto him.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Ah, makes sense.
It's like if you try and grow aforest with only one type of
tree, it's not going to be veryhealthy, is it?
You need a mix, different kindsof trees, you know, with
different needs, differentstrengths, for the whole thing
to work.
So like thinking about your ownfriends, your family, that
circle.
What kind of forest are yougrowing?
Is it diverse, or is it a lotof the same type of tree?
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Okay, now I'm picturing everyone's friend
group as a forest.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
And to break this metaphor down even more,
nakashima actually gives usthese different types of people
we might find in our forests,like different kinds of trees.
Not about labeling people, justmore about understanding the
energy they bring.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
I like that.
Yeah, more like what role theyplay in your social ecosystem,
like, are they helping you growor are they maybe holding you
back a bit?
Speaker 1 (01:50):
Exactly so.
First up, we've got the treethat faces the morning sun.
This is that person who'salways looking ahead, optimistic
, always asking why and how canwe do better, all about
possibilities, total, brightertomorrow kind of person.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Right and think about that, just the effect of
someone like that.
Studies have shown thatoptimism it's like contagious
right being around positivepeople.
It just.
It lifts you up.
Less stress, maybe you evenfeel healthier physically.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
Makes sense.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Nakashima even talks about the student who was
naturally positive but then gotsurrounded by like a bunch of
negativity.
It almost crushed her spirit,you know, but then she found a
community, people who had thatsame like morning sun outlook,
and it reignited her own hope.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Wow, it's like those positive people gave her the
sunlight she needed to grow.
Exactly it really makes youthink about the energy you're
surrounding yourself with.
You know.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Absolutely.
And it's not just about findingthose positive people, but also
like how can we be more likethat ourselves?
How can we be more like thosetrees that face the morning sun
even when things are tough?
Speaker 1 (02:49):
That's a good question to think about.
But before we get too deep intothat, let's move on to the next
tree, the tree that feels therain.
This is the one who's like,super sensitive to everything
their own emotions, otherpeople's emotions.
They're usually the first tonotice problems or like if the
mood shifts yeah, we all knowsomeone like that, right.
Yeah, super empathetic, reallypicks up on all those little
(03:10):
social cues totally, andnakashima gives this example of
a client brilliant at spottingproblems, but, uh, always
surrounded by these negativepeople, and it was just like
overwhelming him, you know hecouldn't see past it.
But then he connected with somefolks who, even though they saw
the challenges, could alsostill see possibilities, and
(03:31):
that started to change thingsfor him.
So it's not that beingsensitive is bad.
It's about finding that,finding that balance.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Right, exactly.
You need those people who canhelp you process those feelings
and like see the bigger picture.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Exactly, and if you relate to this rain tree type,
maybe it's worth asking yourselfare the people you're around
helping you use your sensitivityin a good way, or is it just a
lot of negativity?
That's kind of amplifying itall.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
That's a good point.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
It's so true, finding those people who get it right.
Okay, ready for the next tree.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Yeah, hit me with it all right.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
So we've got the trees that sense the wind.
These are the ones like supertuned into those social vibes,
all that energy okay walk into aroom and just like feel the
mood instantly.
Nakashima talks about thisassistant really talented, but
she only really shined when thework environment was, you know,
positive, supportive that'sinteresting, this whole sensing
(04:26):
the wind thing.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
It reminds me of this concept in psychology.
What's it called Emotionalcontagion?
Basically, we pick up on otherpeople's emotions without even
realizing it.
Our moods, they sort of sync up, so, like if you're already
someone who's sensitive to thoseenergy shifts, yeah, your
surroundings are going to have abig impact.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
Wow, I didn't know there was like an actual term
for that.
So, thinking about the peoplein your life, you know who are
the ones who bring that goodenergy and who are the ones who
maybe you kind of feel drainedafter hanging out with them.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Yeah, totally.
It could be a friend, acoworker, whoever Just notice
those feelings, you know canhelp you be more deliberate
about who you're spending timewith, how you manage your own
energy too.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
Definitely Okay.
On to our last tree, and thisone, I really connected with it.
It's the trees that connectwith the earth, Right grounded
ones, practical, focused on,like solid results.
Nakashima tells this storyabout an editor so focused on
the roots you know the detailsof his work that he missed the
(05:31):
bigger picture, like all thoseopportunities to grow.
But then he started connectingwith people who had totally
different approaches, differentperspectives, and things really
took off for him.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
You know it's funny All these tree types.
They have good sides and not sogood sides, right Like being
grounded, focused on results.
That's great, but if it's allyou do, you might miss out on
some really cool ideas.
You know the stuff that comesfrom people who think a little
differently.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Totally Like.
A forest needs all kinds oftrees.
Yeah, that's what makes itstrong.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Exactly, Diversity is key.
Each tree brings somethingdifferent and for our own
forests it means you don't haveto have only morning sun people
to be happy.
Right, it's more about thatbalance of energies, what helps
you grow.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
So how do we actually make that happen, create that
balance?
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Well, luckily, nakashima gives us some ideas,
three wisdoms he calls them.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Not rules Right, more like guiding principles for
creating a healthier socialecosystem.
I guess you could say I likethat he calls them wisdoms,
because it's more about beingthoughtful than following strict
rules.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
Yeah, exactly.
So first one is observe yourforest.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
Which is something we probably don't do enough right.
We're just going, goingsurrounded by people.
We're not really stopping tothink about how they affect us.
Yes, true.
Like walking through a forestwithout actually seeing the
trees.
So Nakashima is saying slowdown.
Really, look at those peopleyou're spending your time with.
What's their energy like?
Do they lift you up or bringyou down?
Are they helping you grow ormaybe keeping you stuck?
Speaker 2 (06:59):
And it's not about judging anyone right Just
understanding what therelationship is really like, how
it affects you.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
And then, based on that, we can move to the second
wisdom, which is sow new seeds.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
So not like getting rid of your whole forest right,
More like being open to addingto it.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
Exactly, you don't get to ditch your friends, but
maybe you can branch out alittle.
Seek out people who havestrengths that you you might not
have, people with differentexperiences.
It could be joining a new club,taking a class or even just,
you know, talking to someone youwouldn't normally.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Stepping out of your comfort zone a little bit, you
know you never know who you'regoing to meet.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Could be a whole new kind of tree you never even knew
existed.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Exactly, and you might even become part of
someone else's forest too right,bringing your own energy to
their life.
And that actually leads us tothe third wisdom Nurture your
own roots and branches.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
This one.
It really got to me.
We're so focused on how othersare influencing us, but we
forget we're part of theirforests too, right.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
It's a two-way street right.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Yeah, our growth helps everyone.
It's like a symbiotic, I guess.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
That's a good word for it.
We get support.
We give support back.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
I like that.
It's not just about like taking, it's about contributing,
making sure the whole circle ishealthy.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
And you know, the more we grow ourselves, the
stronger we become, the betterwe can handle tough times.
We can offer shade to others.
You know, help out when thingsare rough.
Celebrate everyone's growth.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
That's a beautiful way to put it.
It's like we're all connectedOur actions, our choices, they
have a ripple effect.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
They do, and if we can be more aware of that, more
intentional, maybe we can createa world where everyone's forest
can thrive.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
Wow, so we covered a lot, huh, these different tree
types, that balance thing andall those wisdoms for, like,
building a good social circle.
But before we finish up, what,what really stuck out to you?
Speaker 2 (08:51):
You know, for me it's this whole idea of like
shifting how we seerelationships.
It's not just about who we hangout with, it's also how we, how
we interact with them.
You know how we help them growtoo.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Yeah, it's like we're all part of this huge forest
Right and we all affect eachother.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Exactly, and once you start seeing it that way,
you've got to be more mindful,more intentional.
Appreciate what each personbrings you know.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
That we can actually choose what kind of forest we're
creating.
Like we can plant good things,be supportive, encourage each
other, make it a place whereeveryone can do well.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
That's a great way to put it, where everyone can do
well, that's a great way to putit, and it makes me think if you
could invite anyone to yourforest, like anyone at all, who
would it be?
Could be someone from history,a book character, even like a
future you.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Ooh, that's a tough one.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Hmm.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
Who would I invite?
I think Maya Angelou.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Yeah, Her strength, her resilience and her words.
Just imagine the conversationssitting under a big old tree.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
That'd be amazing, all the stories she could tell,
the poems.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Exactly.
Okay, your turn.
Who's in your forest and whatkind of tree are they?
Speaker 2 (09:58):
You know what?
I think I'd invite a future meTen years from now, maybe
Someone who's gone through thestuff I'm going through now and
come out stronger on the otherside.
I bet that me would be like aredwood.
A redwood, yeah, you know, tall, strong, weathered a lot of
storms, but still standinggiving shade shelter to everyone
around them.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
That's powerful and it makes you realize like this
whole thing is about personalgrowth too right.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
We're not just shaping the forest, we're
growing within it too.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Totally.
We're always changing, learning, adapting, and the people
around us.
They're a big part of that.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
So, as you go about your day, I really want you to
think about your own forest,really look at it, appreciate
all the different trees you'vegot and think about those
wisdoms we talked about.
How can you make your forest aplace that really supports you,
helps you be your best self?
It's totally possible.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
It is, and who knows, maybe if we all focus on our
own forests, we can inspireothers to do the same.
You know, start a ripple effectof good stuff.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
That's a great thought to end on.
Thanks for joining us for thisdeep dive into the power of our
social circles.
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