Black Walnut Reflections

I take a break from my computer work today to look out the window. Outside, the black walnut tree is like a golden silhouette against the grey October sky. Her leaves fall, seemingly in phases. The leaves are falling now, and as I watch the magic of the golden leaves falling gracefully to the ground, I am reminded that I, too, can choose to embrace change with grace. My mind wanders to the future, imagining this tree bare, leaf-less, in the cold of winter. Vulnerable and naked, she stands tall and strong throughout the whole of winter. She has no qualms about being naked and vulnerable. It is simply the way. She knows she will bloom again come Spring and be full and vibrant again come Summer. Again I reflect upon my own self. Maybe I, too, can stand bare and vulnerable, and still be strong and confident. Maybe the pairing of vulnerability and confidence would suit me. Maybe even look good on me. As I ponder further, I realize that I am no stranger to vulnerability. It is the only way I truly know how to communicate, to be. Confidence though, she is still a work in progress to embody. May I be like the black walnut tree on this grey October day - graceful, confident, vulnerable, and strong.