Too much, too fast

From the dawn of time, humans have been insatiable creatures, chasing after bigger slices of life — be they material possessions, knowledge, power, or experiences — and impatiently wanting them as soon as possible.

Today, when our food is fast, internet high-speed, and shipping next-day, it makes sense to ask “why should we wait?”

Well, while ordering pizza is probably not a life-changing event, certain things in life are too important and too complex to come to us quickly. Certain things like creating a life you are satisfied with, finding your people, or becoming who you want to be are better if they happen slowly.

So how do we remind ourselves to slow down and give our dreams room to grow?

Let’s take notes from our wise friends in the forest: trees.

Most young saplings spend their early decades growing slowly under the shade of their mother’s canopy with limited sunlight. The result? Dense, hard wood that lives longer.

But when a tree is planted in an open field, it really gets to soak up all that sunlight without bigger trees casting shade on it. This means the sapling grows faster! But here’s the catch: fast growth leads to soft, airy wood that lacks the density needed for durability. It becomes a breeding ground for fungus, and it rots quickly. Fast growth spells doom for longevity.

Trees seem to get that rushing things doesn’t pay off. Fast growth can backfire, which is why they grow in cycles, having productive bursts followed by well-deserved breaks. It’s like they know that taking it slow can lead to a longer, healthier life!

Trees can teach us that life’s true gems—be they love, career, or a finely aged cheese—come from patience. Sometimes, better things do come to those who wait.