I recently had a conversation with my mentor and we were talking about the importance of having a consistent, relevant and authentic message especially as one builds a brand. 

I said, I have this message and that message that I am focusing on and that I also have this experience that I will like to incorporate in my messaging and that is a struggle.  

Then she said, I have not heard anything that cannot be presented as a “tree with branches”.  I paused, a tree with branches?  That sounds like the right metaphor.

It reminded of what Chimamanda, the prolific Nigerian writer, said about how we cannot be defined by one story.  Because the “consequence of a single story is that it robs people of dignity”.

I decided to check out how branches help the tree.  First, trees grow branches as part of their natural growth and development process.  Conclusion:  My branched-out messages emerged from my growth process.

Trees provide structural support:  Conclusion: my branch messages provide support for my core message.   

Imagine this… some trees produce flowers and fruits in their branches. Flowers provide the reproductive organs and the fruits protect and disperse the seeds.  Conclusion:  my branch messages are keys to growth and impact. 

This is the icing on the cake, branches are the main tool for adaptive growth.  Trees often adjust their branching patterns in response to environmental conditions.  They can grow branches in specific directions to optimize light exposure and avoid obstacles.  Branches can also change their growth rate in response to competition with neighboring trees for resources.  Conclusion: with my branches I embrace change, navigate life’s challenges with resilience, much like a tree does.

Branches cannot overshow the main tree I told myself but they are important.  For the branches to continuously support, reproduce, distribute nutrients and adapt to their environment, the root of the tree needs to grow deep and strong.  

So, next time you think about how your life has weaved in and out… think of it as a tree with branches, because with your branches you build more connections, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.