The roots
Just as a gigantic tree needs strong roots to support its weight and hold it up through storms, our family and friends can provide a foundation of support to help us through good and bad times.
Ask yourself, who are the most important people in your life? Write some of their names around the tree roots on your sheet and something you appreciate about them.
The trunk
The next supportive part on a strong tree is the trunk, holding up the branches and leaves. For our tree, try asking yourself; what are your most important or happiest memories?
Try writing some of these into your tree’s trunk, perhaps with a little detail about why they are important memories and experiences. These could include holidays, achievements, journeys or just a place that makes you feel safe and relaxed.
The branches
Just as a tree’s branches spread out in multiple directions reaching upwards, we too may try taking our lives in new directions, trying new things and learning new skills.
What activities and hobbies typically make you feel relaxed, happy or a sense of accomplishment?
Write as many of these as you can into and around your tree’s branches, perhaps with some explanation as to why they are meaningful for you.
The leaves
The leaves of a tree grow out from its branches, absorbing sunlight through photosynthesis and sustaining it.
Much as this is the case for the tree, ask yourself; how do your family, friends, good memories and enjoyable activities sustain your mental health and make you feel better?
Write positive feelings you associate with all the other things you have written among the leaves.
Finishing your tree
Finished? Well done. Once most of your tree has been completed, try looking at it as a whole.
This is a representation of the good things in your life, that support you and make you happy. Just like a real tree, it is strong, resilient, beautiful and can be a reminder that even when things are tough we have family, friends, happy memories, fun activities and good feelings to fall back on.