This poem was passed along to me by a friend who is not doing genealogy, but I think its analogies fit our hobby wonderfully: "Everything I Need to Know About Life I Learned from Trees" It's important to have roots. In today's complex world, it pays to branch out. Don't pine away over old flames. If you really believe something, don't be afraid to go out on a limb. Be flexible so you don't break when a harsh wind blows. Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow. There are wide years and thin years, and the lines show. If you want to maintain accurate records, keep a log. Grow where you're planted. It's perfectly okay to be a late bloomer. Avoid people who would like to cut you down. Lean into the sun and fresh rain. As you approach the autumn of your life, you can't hide your true colors. It's more important to be strong and honest than popular. Sometimes you have to pull up your roots and move on. And always remember as you go through life to give yourself time to blossom.