Shoots & Roots

Photo Credit: betterup.com

​"Consider a tree for a moment. As beautiful as trees are to look at, we don't see what goes on underground - as they grow roots. Trees must develop deep roots in order to grow strong and produce their beauty. But we don't see the roots. We just see and enjoy the beauty. In much the same way, what goes on inside of us is like the roots of a tree."
-Joyce Meyer

Consider the analogy of living out your values to that of a tree, let's call it the 'Purpose Driven Tree.' Imagine this:

Roots = Core Values
Trunk = Mission
Branches = Purpose/Vision
Leaves = Goals & Objectives 
Fruit = Results

ROOTS: Just as the root system of a tree performs many vital functions, such as absorbing and transporting water and minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree as well anchoring the tree, our values provide the foundation on which we stand on. Values are a human's root system.

SHOOTS: Just as a shoot is an above ground portion of a tree directly bearing leaves/growth, the shoots in our life are how we define and live out our values. The shoots of our life are growth opportunities to live out our purpose.

Defining a personal value system is so critical to living a fulfilled life. They are the principles that drive our behaviors. Our personal value system is what we aspire to be and define our character. Our value system must be in alignment with our belief systems.

Defining our value system: 
    •    Determine your top values based on your experiences of joy, peace, happiness, pride and fulfillment
    •    Narrow in our your top values
    •    Re-affirm the 3-5 most important values

Everything that we do, who we become in that process and the results we create in our life, all go back to us operating in our value system and walking out of purpose.

I often talk about 'living life on purpose' or having intentionality around what and why we do certain things in our life. The shoots in our life are just that. They are the decisions, habits and activities that we do to live out our purpose and vision. These decisions, habits and activities allow for new growth opportunities, the ability to not only achieve goals and objectives, but to also set new ones and ultimately, produce the fruit in our life. The more we continue to grow, strengthen and root our value system, the more we give way to growth opportunities, new challenges and new perspectives/experiences.

LIVE LIFE ON PURPOSE: What does this look like? We are big proponents of self-reflection and self-analysis, so we thought it would be advantageous to wrap up with some guided self-reflection. Brainstorm and write down responses for the following:

    1.    What makes you come alive?
    2.    What does 'success' mean to you? 
    3.    What are you afraid of? 
    4.    What do you spend your time on? 
    5.    What do you invest your time in? 
    6.    What do you prioritize/put in your calendar? 
    7.    When do you feel most fulfilled? 

To us, living on purpose means that your vision must include others and how we can make an impact and/or difference in the lives of others. We will not feel fulfilled until we learn to do things for others, without necessarily expecting to receive any personal gain. We believe in servitude and gaining satisfaction from witnessing the success of others, the same way that we would be satisfied with our own successes. 

Faith 
Family 
Freedom
Finances
Fitness (holistic wellness) 

These are our CORE values. If you define your values, it simplifies everything that you do. It allows us to nurture the growth of new 'shoots' in our lives. 

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Live life on purpose, 
Brandon & Amanda