Was starting to feel a bit down as I rose today, not feeling my best, and then looked at the to-do list, and at the top is my reminder “Make the rest of your life the best of your life” and that got me on the right track again.

A wonderful afternoon actually with our children celebrating a birthday. My appreciation for days like today is great. Makes some pain melt away.

So today’s writing prompt is: Describe yourself as a tree. An interesting thought indeed. I won’t worry about the type of tree.

I’m a fairly strong tree for 6 plus decades of age. I have a strong root pattern that extends to give me a solid base. I’ve had a few traumas along the way, some early, some late. I’ve had the tree surgeons work on me a few times. I’ve had injured branches and limbs. My core isn’t as strong as it used to be.

But I stand tall as I have every day. I feel fit and good for my age, but I’m starting to notice some changes as the season change. My bark is showing signs of age, it used to be smooth and unbroken, it’s rougher in spots now. I’ve got some grey leaves here and there, but the overall color is strong. Winters seem harder and longer to get through.

I’m strong and durable enough to have supported a family and even some friends from time to time. They love coming over because I’m so comfortable and fun to run on.

I look out over a beautiful but sometimes troubled landscape. My seedlings have sprouted into strong and wonderful and even much more majestic than their father. I wish I was leaving them a better environment to flourish in.

I was a trim tree in my early years and a fit one in middle age. The middle could use just a little trimming now but I could pass as fine as is.

Two storms in the last decade or so have taken a heavy toll but I’m still here. I worry about another strong one and if I can withstand that again. But this tree has a special view of every sunrise and sunset that makes each day special, appreciated, and rewarding.

And in describing myself as a tree, I can proudly say, nobody has called me a “sap” to my face.