"If you don't like how things are, change it! You are not a tree"

You have the power to change your circumstances. Trees, with their roots deep in the ground, can't move, but you're not a tree. You can change your job, your environment, your mindset — basically, you can change your life.

This idea hinges on the belief that we hold the reins when it comes to life changes. There are countless quotes and motivational speeches built on this foundation. But this one has a certain simplicity and humor that makes it memorable. You picture a tree, firmly planted, unable to move, and then you realize—hey, that's not me! I've got legs, a brain, and agency over my life.

The historical context of this expression isn't directly tied to a specific moment in time but is more a reflection of modern self-help and empowerment culture. You hear it in seminars, read it in books, see it on social media. It’s part of a larger movement that encourages personal responsibility and the belief that we can shape our own destinies.

Imagine someone working in a job that they absolutely hate. Every day feels like a drag. Now, they might think they’re stuck — like a tree. But then they hear this quote. It hits them. They realize they have options. They could start applying for new jobs, go back to school to learn new skills, or even turn that side hobby into a full-time gig. They’re not rooted to that job; they can move.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by assessing what in your life feels immovable. Is it your job, your health, your relationships? Once you’ve identified the area that feels like a trap, look for ways to change it. This doesn’t mean making impulsive decisions—sometimes big changes need careful planning. But it does mean recognizing that you have the power to shift your path. Make a plan, set small goals, and start moving step by step. You’re not a tree.

Let's take a relatable scenario. Picture Sarah, a mid-level manager at a corporate firm. She’s been in the same role for nearly five years, feeling unfulfilled and stuck. Every morning, it’s the same routine: wake up, commute, work, commute back, sleep, repeat. She’s always dreamt of starting her own bakery but felt it was just a pipe dream. One day, she stumbles across this quote on social media. It’s like a wake-up call. She’s not a tree, so why act like one?

Sarah starts taking small steps. She enrolls in a weekend baking class, starts saving money, and eventually begins selling her cookies at local markets. A year and a half later, she takes the plunge and opens her bakery. It wasn’t easy—there were plenty of late nights and moments of doubt—but she did it. She changed her life because she remembered she wasn’t a tree.

The key takeaway is to remind yourself regularly that you hold the power to change your situation. It’s easy to feel stuck, but you have the ability to move, grow, and transform. So next time you’re in a rut, picture that tree—and then remember you’re not one. You can move. You can change. And you’ve got this.