by Reggie Gates | Feb 1, 2023 | Coping Mechanisms
One of the more difficult aspects of my job as a Mental Health Clinician is watching individuals suffer and struggle through intense and seemingly chronic life situations, while desperately doing all they can to just survive.
As I’ve worked with these individuals, I often find myself asking, “Why are these issues lasting so long? Haven’t they been through enough? When will they finally see a breakthrough?”
A powerful answer to these questions comes from the story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree. This remarkable tree grows over 90 feet in just 6 weeks—but only after spending over four and a half years underground, building its roots.
During those early years, the tree shows no visible growth above the surface. Yet daily, it’s being watered, nurtured, and strengthened below. All the energy is focused on building a strong, stable foundation that can support rapid growth when the time is right.
Like the tree, we too may feel stuck or invisible during certain seasons of life. But our emotional and mental roots are often growing stronger, even if the world can’t see it. These roots help us withstand life’s storms—stress, trauma, setbacks—and are essential for future breakthroughs.
Whether it’s poverty, relationship recovery, mental health battles, or academic burnout—progress isn’t always obvious. But that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
Staying committed, even without visible change, requires deep patience. It means continuing to water your life daily—with routines, support, rest, effort—even when it feels like nothing’s working.
You may be a single parent working long hours, a student juggling multiple responsibilities, or someone rebuilding after loss or addiction. Your daily efforts are not wasted.
You’re building a foundation.
Eventually, the Chinese Bamboo Tree bursts from the ground—because its roots were ready. The same goes for us. In time, with enough persistence and patience, growth becomes visible. Life shifts. Things begin to bloom.
Remain steady. Keep showing up. Keep nourishing your foundation.
The growth you don’t see today may be setting you up for the breakthrough you’ll experience tomorrow.