How High Does a Sycamore Grow?

I was brewing some tea one night and sparked the most fascinating thought...at least at the time.  I happened to pull out my favorite Disney princess cup and stared right at Pocahontas.  So immediately I went into song singing Colors of the Wind. I know, great song!

As I was singing, a specific line-one that I was all too familiar with-resonated with me.  "How high does the sycamore grow? If you cut it down you may never know."  And like a lightening bolt it hit me. Don't knock people down because you never know the potential you're squashing.  This is no novel idea, as I'm pretty sure that line was about Pocahontas using a metaphor for herself and her relationship with her father (if you don't know what I'm talking about, watch the movie-it's great).

In all, it reminded me we should continually build people up. Playing off the song... you may never know how much a person can grow if you tear them down. Whether in your own image of them or how you treat them. We were all born as blank canvases with immeasurable potential,  just like the sycamore. This metaphor goes for ourselves as well. Of course don't tear others down, but just as importantly, DON'T TEAR YOURSELF DOWN either.

TAKE ACTION
In every interaction you have with someone, ask yourself: Am I building this person up or tearing them down with my words and actions? Not an easy task, but start small. Maybe there is a specific person in your life that you belittle or get irritated with. Start with them and build from there.

Extra FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What are some ways you tear yourself down?