How to Cultivate Resilience: Lessons from Evergreen Inspirations

A few years ago, I had an encounter that opened my eyes to the resilience of the evergreen tree, which ultimately became the foundation of the Evergreen brand. Since then, I’ve drawn inspiration from several of the tree’s characteristics—traits that can guide us in staying resilient through life's challenges and transitions.

As I studied these trees, three valuable lessons emerged, each offering insight for personal growth.

1. Building Strong Connections

Evergreen trees, whether cypress or juniper, have needle-like or scale-like leaves that cling tightly to their branches[1]. This structure reminds me of the importance of human connection. Studies consistently show that strong relationships lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction[2].

Last year, I received a simple Christmas card from a good friend who lives on the west coast who I hadn’t spoken to in years. It was a small gesture, but it rekindled a sense of connection that I realized I had been missing. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to reconnect with friends and build new relationships. The fast pace of life can make us drift from meaningful connections, but much like the evergreen’s tightly bound branches, strong relationships are essential for both personal and professional success. They create a foundation that sustains us through every season.

2. Hold On to What Matters

Evergreens stay green year-round by holding onto their chlorophyll and water, even when other trees shed their leaves.[3] This serves as a powerful metaphor for life: we should hold on to the positive experiences, lessons, and memories, especially during challenging times.

Research suggests that reflecting on positive experiences can boost happiness, foster personal growth, and improve well-being[4]. Whether through journaling, revisiting old photos, or rereading heartfelt messages, these acts help us stay grounded in what fuels our growth.

Just as evergreens protect their leaves with a waxy coating[5], we must guard our minds against negative influences. For me that has meant limiting the consumption of the local news and other triggering media. Recently, I rediscovered an old journal that reminded me of different experiences and challenges I had overcome in years past. It was a much-needed reminder of my resilience. This practice of focusing on the positive while filtering out negativity is empowering and essential for thriving in difficult seasons. Like evergreens, we must nurture what keeps us strong and resilient.

3. Sustaining Your Own Pace

Evergreens have mastered the art of slow, steady growth. By photosynthesizing at a slower rate[6], they conserve energy and endure through the toughest seasons. This got me thinking about my own pace in life. I’m most fulfilled when I operate at a moderate speed, but as a parent and corporate leader, it’s often hard to escape the constant rush.

However, I’ve come to value moments of quiet reflection and relaxation—times when I can strategize, recharge, and think deeply. Slowing down, even in small doses, has become essential to my well-being. Finding your own pace, one that allows for sustainability can make all the difference in handling stress and navigating life’s demands. Like the evergreen, steady progress often outlasts the frenetic pace of trying to do it all.

In Summary

The evergreen tree offers us timeless wisdom on how to thrive through every season. By staying connected with loved ones, holding on to the good, guarding our mental well-being, and finding a sustainable pace, we can navigate life’s challenges with resilience. The characteristics of the evergreen remind us that we don’t have to be defined by difficult times. Instead, we can adopt its traits to live with more purpose, less stress, and a greater sense of fulfillment.

[1] https://www.kloranebotanical.foundation/en/botany/botany-lessons/main-characteristics-conifers#:~:text=Scale%2Dlike%20leaves,%2C%20unlike%20broad%2Dleaved%20trees.

[2] Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect: Does Happiness Lead to Success? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803–855

[3]https://nature.berkeley.edu/biometlab/pdf/Baldocchi%20et%20al%202010%20Ecological%20Applications%2008-2047.pdf

[4] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439760.2020.1789707

[5] https://extension.psu.edu/what-makes-conifers-retain-or-lose-their-needles

[6]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360138504001013#:~:text=However%2C%20some%20of%20these%20adaptations,resistance%20to%20CO2%20diffusion.