Gretchen Rubin has started posing this question:

“Are you a book with chapters or a tree with roots?”

– Gretchen Rubin

She is trying to learn more about how people look at the phases of their life.

Do you move from chapter to chapter or branch out from your roots?

To hear her describe the two, you can listen to this episode of her podcast.

My Perspective

This is such an interesting question.

I wonder if there is an option of being both.

My default has always been chapters.

I’ve written about it in chapters.

Inspired by Taylor Swift in eras.

And through the lens of midpoints.

Gretchen’s perspective has me thinking about a tree with roots and branches.

I feel like I have that as well.

Roots of values that guide me.

A trunk that keeps growing wider as knowledge and experience are gained.

Branches that have been there for years.

Others are just sprouting.

Leaves that come for a season and then fall away.

Can we see life as both a book and a tree?

Both unfolding a story in front of us and branching out in unexpected ways.

Books seem more logical and planned.

Trees seem organic and unexpected.

Both can give us insight and perspective on our story.

Your Turn

Have you ever described your life phases with an analogy?

Do you see your life as a book or a tree?

Is this a helpful construct to see your progress and evolution?