Transformation is defined as a change or alteration, especially a radical one.

One of my favorite trees in the neighborhood, a dogwood, has suffered a significant blow. Several weeks ago, we had violent storms with high winds, thunder and lightning, and a huge limb toppled down into the street. Essentially, she lost an entire side. 

I've written about this tree several times, once when I was encouraging you to believe that change is coming even when you can't see it. Fall Trees in Bloom from 2018 was about me noticing her limbs were able to simultaneously hold fall's dying leaves, as well as next spring's buds. 

When I first saw the damage, my heart hurt because she looked so disfigured. I have enjoyed this tree immensely. I loved her tiny buds that became visible in November, even as all the leaves were falling off. I loved her delicate white blooms in spring and her beautiful canopy of thick green leaves all through the summer. She was widespread over a corner I take on every walk. When passing under her, I often reached up to touch her leaves. Once so full, I was disheartened to see her damaged, thinking she will never be whole again.

This is what I first saw, the day after the storm. I took a photo because I knew I would eventually write about it. 

And below, another photo a few days later, after they removed the fallen limb. 

Although I intended to write about this for a few weeks, I didn't have a sense yet what direction it would go and something else always popped up. This week, when I saw what the tree-trimmers had done (below), I knew it was time to explore the lesson. 

At first, when I saw they had trimmed the whole tree back to nearly nothing, I was further mortified. Now she's really gone. But I quickly remembered the miracle of pruning. We have to prune back everything that is out of proportion in order to encourage new growth where it's lacking so harmony can return. 

The only way for this tree to be restored is to let her start rebuilding from the roots up. They had to cut away all the remnants of the former tree to signal the roots to begin anew. With balanced effort, her roots will facilitate intentional growth for a bright new future.

It's not pretty to look at right now, and it took a lot of courage to chop the rest of the limbs way down. The other choice was to leave it disfigured and stare at the half that was beautiful, wishing the storm had never happened. Oh how much energy we waste wishing things were different. A wish without action will never be more than a wish. There are some things we can't change and some things we can, but the way forward is never looking backwards, staring at the problem.

Transformation takes time. Usually, we have to move in a new direction without knowing exactly where we'll end up or how long it will take to get there. Some of the growth may be ugly, hard. If we have to fall apart to come together in a new way, so be it. In the end, with new life all around, it won't matter what each section of our journey looked like. Whether we're in a beautiful phase of this life's journey or one that isn't so lovely, if we're here to see it, we're blessed. Some are not so fortunate.

Today, celebrate life and all the ups and downs that have refined you into who you are today. Carefully consider what may need pruning. Is there something holding you back from your next phase of growth and adventure? Have courage, seek guidance, use peace as a compass, trust the process and take action when it's time. Let the old go so the new can come. (The old is gone anyway. Say goodbye so you can move on.)

As I whisper words of encouragement to my special tree, I am believing in your on-time metamorphosis too.

I love lessons from trees. Want a few more? From my archives, please enjoy When Desolation Is Deceiving, Surviving Fatal Blows and Foundational Instruction.

Does today's meditation resonate with you? Please share your voice in our FTG Readers Group on Facebook. Your hopes, thoughts and dreams matter to me.

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Cheers to a great week, noticing the gifts that matter most. Feel free to share with a friend.

Announcements and painting of the week are below!

Until next time...

To your gifts!

Angela

Retreats!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Most of the women who have signed up for Paint, Paddle & Play, my September girls' trip to the beach, practice art for fun, not as a professional vocation. By request, I'm adding a BONUS ACTIVITY!

In addition to everything else this amazing trip includes (most meals, a paddle board lesson, yoga on the beach, a dolpin encounter and much more!) you can now opt to participate in a two-hour MINDFUL ABSRACT PAINTING session with me! I'll share how to mix color, create texture and demonstrate why abstract painting is a wonderful way to cultivate mindfulness. This session is optional. All supplies included. A $65 materials fee will apply (it's free to watch and use your own supplies). If you've been eyeing this trip, but thought maybe it was just for "real artists," think again! We are all creative. If you have the desire to create, you are invited!

Registration for Paint, Paddle & Play is open until Friday, August 25 with just four spots remaining. Click here for the full scoop. 

If you want to stay informed about this incredible oceanfront home retreat, or future retreats with me, be sure to SIGN UP for retreat updates HERE. You can also see additional info, discussion, photos and videos in our Paint, Paddle & Play Facebook group.

Individual and Group Coaching

I will have two spots opening in September for my 12-week transformational program, A Life Worth Having. 

I've also started a wait list for the next session of Micro Magic, a 22-day online group coaching experience to make procrastination disappear. I'm looking at November to help you tackle things for the holidays and year end. 

Check out each link for more info and participant reviews. If interested in either, please reply to this email. 

Abstract Painting of the Week
If you'd like to see more of my art, please visit my website. Reply to this email if there is something you're interested in. I also offer commissions and shipping is available.

Emerald Dreams 24x36  acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. AVAILABLE!

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If you haven't already, would you please take a second right now to leave a short review on Amazon? That's one of the easiest things you can do to help an author you love keep writing. Many thanks in advance!

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Do you enjoy my Tuesday emails and know someone else who would appreciate a weekly dose of spiritual food—hope, encouragement and a fresh perspective? Please send them to angelahowell.com/links, where they can click the button to sign up for Tuesday's gifts and updates. They will also receive my free eBook, 10 Secrets to Finding the Gift. Thank you in advance for helping me reach more people.