The Evergreen Path

Walking through a forest in mid-December, I noticed the stark contrast between the bare branches of most trees and the rich green of the pines and firs. Their resilience seemed to radiate strength against the frosty chill. The air was crisp, carrying the sharp yet comforting scent of evergreen needles.

An older woman collecting pinecones nearby saw me pause and smiled. “Evergreens remind us of endurance,” she said, cradling the cones in her hands. “Even in the deepest cold, life persists.”

I looked at the towering trees and nodded. Their quiet strength seemed to echo her words. “They remind me,” she added, “to carry my own inner green—my calm, my kindness—even through life’s winters.” Her words stayed with me as I continued walking, feeling the enduring vitality of the forest settle within my heart-mind.