The World Needs More Oak Trees

Embrace your inner acorn

Sep 14, 2024

Every letter I share a story about my life in a way that you can hopefully relate to. I believe we are all here to share our journey, both the highs and the lows, as this is how we collectively raise the consciousness of the planet. If anything resonates with you, please share! 🙏

It’s Saturday morning, and I’m in the middle of my 2nd Dharma Artist Collective sprint as I write this.

In one of the recent teachings, Erick Godsey shares a powerful metaphor which I’ve been sitting with for a few weeks: the image of the oak tree inside each of us, waiting to manifest.

He writes about the force that can be found within an acorn, bound to its commitment to become an oak, and compares it to the potential inside each of us.

It’s a poetic reminder that we all have a version of ourselves that, if fully realized, could transform the world.

As I was typing out that last sentence, I couldn’t help but remind myself (and you) of the power of words. As such, let’s tweak that one a bit:

It’s a poetic reminder that we all have a version of ourselves that, WHEN fully realized, WILL transform the world.

Ah, much more potent! 💪

But here’s the catch—much like the acorn, our potential can only emerge if we are willing to grow, shed what holds us back, and take bold (and sometimes scary) action toward becoming that version of ourselves.

This idea resonates deeply with me because I’ve been on this journey of growth for ~~years~~ decades, both personally and professionally. And the more I dive into it, the clearer it becomes:

We all have the capacity to become something far greater than we allow ourselves to believe.

The Acorn and the Oak Tree

An acorn doesn’t question whether it’s meant to become an oak tree. It doesn’t second-guess its purpose or wonder if it’s "good enough" to grow tall and strong.

The acorn simply commits to the process, trusting that with time, nurturing, and the right environment, it will fulfill its potential.

What if you approached your own growth with the same unwavering commitment?

Unlike the acorn, my tendency has been to doubt, to hold myself back, to cling to stories that keep me small. Whether it's the fear of failure, a belief that I’m not "ready," or the stories I’ve inherited about who I am and what I’m capable of, I know that these narratives act like barriers between me and my true potential.

I sense the same is true for you.

But here’s the truth: inside each of us is the oak tree—the version of ourselves that’s capable of changing not only our own lives, but the lives of those around us.

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

I’ve written before about the power of stories, and how they shape our worldview. But recently, I’ve started to see more clearly how these stories either empower us to step into our potential or hold us back from it.

Think about it: How often have you told yourself any of the following:

“I’m not good enough” or

“I don’t have what it takes” or

“I can’t figure this out” or

“I’m afraid to take this next step”?

How many times have you let a fear of failure stop you from taking that first step toward a dream?

I’m going to intentionally pause here and invite you to go back and re-read that last sentence until you feel it has sunk in. And yes, tears may fall.

These stories can be deeply ingrained, often planted in us during childhood ✋. Doubts about juggling the demands of running a business, maintaining meaningful relationships, and being fully present in my life.

That old narrative kept me small, and it wasn’t until I started questioning it—really digging into where it came from and why I believed it—that I began to rewrite it.

Let’s not get it twisted, though. This is a life-long process. Trust me, I know 😂. But it’s one that’s necessary if I’m ever going to become the oak tree I’m meant to be.

Tend to Your Growth

Just as the acorn needs the right conditions to grow into an oak tree—sunlight, water, rich soil—so too do we need the right environment to nurture our growth.

For me, joining The Dharma Artist Collective has been one of those key pieces. There’s something about showing up consistently, day after day, to meditate, reflect, and simply ‘be’ that has grounded me. It’s created space for me to step into a version of myself that feels more aligned with who I’m truly meant to be.

Do I miss days occasionally, or find it difficult to focus during these sessions at times? Most definitely. But it’s the act of showing up the helps immensely.

Remember, the Universe rewards momentum.

What’s your version of that? It might be a group of like-minded people who challenge and support you. It could be a daily practice like journaling, meditation, or exercise that helps you stay connected to your inner truth. Whatever it is, make sure you’re nurturing yourself and creating the conditions for growth.

But here’s the important part: It’s not enough to simply set the stage for growth. We also have to take action.

Take Bold Action

The acorn doesn’t just sit in the soil and hope to become a tree one day. It acts. It breaks through its shell, extends its roots, and reaches for the sky.

This is where many of us get stuck. We dream about becoming the oak tree, we can even see glimpses of it in our minds, but we hesitate when it comes to taking the actions that will get us there.

We know we need to stop engaging in habits that keep us small—whether it’s procrastination, self-doubt, or the comforts of routine. And yet, we stay in our shells, afraid of what might happen if we break free.

There is no shame in losing. The only shame is in not trying.

I get it. I’ve been there. And I continue to learn more every day. This is a lifelong journey for me.

But here’s what I’ve learned: The longer we wait, the harder it becomes to take that first step. The more we tell ourselves, “Maybe tomorrow,” the more we reinforce the story that we’re not ready, not capable, or not worthy.

The truth is, there is never a perfect moment to start. As one of my coaches likes to remind me, “Perfect is the enemy of done.” There is only now. And every small step you take—every action that aligns with your potential—brings you closer to becoming that oak tree.

Become the Oak Tree Today

So what does it look like to live as the oak tree within you?

It looks like taking consistent action toward your goals, even when you’re scared. It looks like letting go of the stories that keep you small and embracing the possibility of what could be. It looks like trusting that the force inside you—the same force that drives an acorn to become an oak tree—knows exactly what it’s doing.

Imagine the impact you could have on the world if you stopped playing small. What would your life look like if you fully stepped into your potential? How would your relationships change? How would your work change? How would the world around you change?

A Call to Action

Here’s my challenge to you: Start taking the steps today that will lead you closer to becoming that oak tree. Identify one story that’s been keeping you small, and begin the process of rewriting it. Take one action—no matter how small—that aligns with the version of yourself you know you’re capable of becoming.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. None of us do. But by showing up, taking consistent action, and trusting the process, you can begin to manifest the potential within you.

Remember, the world needs more oak trees—people who are committed to living fully, embracing their purpose, and inspiring others along the way. And that starts with you.

With gratitude,

🙏 Harry

👋 what i’ve created recently…

/// podcast junkies

Ep. 352 - Uncovering Malibu’s Dark Secrets: Inside Lost Hills with Dana Goodyear

In this episode, I spoke with Dana Goodyear, a staff writer at The New Yorker. Her passion for storytelling and her love for true crime led her to create Lost Hills, a podcast that delves into the dark and mysterious crimes of Malibu. If you're a fan of true crime, this episode is a must-listen.

/// vertical farming podcast

Ep. 142 Junell Abdi/GEIA.AI - From IT Architect to AI AgTech Innovator

Junell shares his journey from being a city boy in Israel to moving to Hungary and starting GEIA.AI. He talks about the challenges and triumphs of pitching his startup on a big stage and the importance of small startups in the AgTech space.

🎤 ready to launch your authority-building podcast? here are a few ways i can help…

Done-For-You - Are you a business owner that’s clear on your messaging and ready to launch your own authority-building podcast with the full launch, production and marketing support of our team? Watch This Video

Done-With-You - Do you have a podcast idea in mind and looking for the support of a community and a little hand-holding from me to keep you accountable? Join The Stage

Do-It-Yourself - Are you more of a self-starter and want some help understanding the basics to get started launching your own show? Enroll in Podcast Blueprint 101