At least five years ago I came across the Trouble Tree fable and it resonated with me. The simple story illustrates we all have the means (ability and choice) to dictate our own attitude. Further, our attitude and behavior influences others.
The Trouble Tree
by Unknown Author
The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farm house had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire had caused him to miss an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pick-up truck refused to start.
As I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. When we arrived he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked to the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles; he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed by the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.
"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, they don't belong in the house with my wife and children. So, I just hang them on the tree when I come home in the evening and then I just pick them up again in the morning."
"Funny thing, though," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remembered hanging there the night before."
Click here for an important variation of the story
Similar applications
Guatamalan worry dolls
The Trouble Tree fable inspired me to create a website based trouble tree where you leave your troubles, yet others may comment with empathy, insight, or advice. Like the Trouble Tree in the story, the website will be a way you can "let go of" and "leave behind your troubles and problems". But more so, you can get advice, research, use tools, and see how others have overcome similar problems, challenges, difficulties, situations, and opportunities.
The site will became available in Q3 2009, www.takemytroubles.com
