IMAGE: LAURARICHARDSON
The arrival of a new year invites us to turn over fresh pages in our journals, opening space to reflect on what we want to envision in our lives. Nature hints at renewal in subtle ways, especially in winter. Trees might look bare, their branches empty, but if you look closely, you’ll see tiny buds preparing for spring. There’s an inherent wisdom here, a cycle of letting go and becoming, that we can bring to our own lives.
For this reflection, let’s move away from the typical goals and resolutions and try a different kind of exploration. I’m really excited to share the work of Zimbabwean narrative therapist Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo, whose Tree of Life methodology offers a powerful journaling ritual. Originally created for young people who had experienced profound loss, the Tree of Life approach has become a practical tool for connecting to one’s cultural heritage and personal roots. Ncube-Mlilo’s work helps people see that they are more than any one story or challenge. Instead, the model amplifies the strengths, relationships, and memories that people carry and which can help them reimagine their lives.