The Roots That Nourish Us: Reflections on Nature, Friendship, and the Power of Sharing

There’s something profoundly life-giving about discovering people who share your deepest passions—those kindred spirits whose values reflect your own. As I look back on the past ten years, my heart is full of gratitude for the remarkable souls I’ve met along the way who have inspired and uplifted me through our shared love of nature.

One of those people is my dear colleague Clifton Joullian—many know him as The Nurse Farmer. Clif and I connected as nurses, but our friendship blossomed through a mutual belief: that plants don’t just nourish our bodies—they nourish our spirits. Science supports what gardeners have known for generations: digging in the soil, nurturing life, and spending time outdoors can promote physical health and emotional well-being.
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That belief led to our year-long “Healthy Green Thumbs” campaign, where we invited others to experience the healing power of gardening. It was more than a project—it was a movement rooted in joy, connection, and the idea that when we share nature with others, our souls bloom too.

LINK To The Healthy Green Thumbs videos:
​https://youtu.be/hphxm_wn77I?si=DkRLMsobZJJ8XzN7

One story from that journey remains especially close to my heart. My elderly neighbor—lovingly known in our community as Mr. Fig—was a natural part of this campaign. We captured a short video of him harvesting fruit from his magnificent fig tree, which produces more than 10,000 figs every year. True to his generous spirit, he gave them away to anyone who passed by. That simple, tender act of giving resonated around the globe—his video has now been viewed by over 2,000 people from all corners of the world.

Though Mr. Fig is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. His fig tree still bears fruit, still draws smiles, and still reminds us that when we plant with love and give without expecting anything in return, we create ripples that outlive us.
This reflection isn’t just about remembering—it’s about celebrating how nature has a way of connecting us, healing us, and reminding us of what matters most. Whether it’s sharing seeds, stories, or just a shaded moment under a tree, these quiet exchanges anchor us in something timeless and true.
So here’s to green thumbs, open hearts, and legacies that grow wild and generous.

You can view the interview with Mr. Fig here:https://youtu.be/AlyU9eB5JLE?si=dPKx6OJEiOW5RiBw

Does your spirit compel you to share something from nature with others?