What Kind of Person Are You?
I said this in a play once as Madea... LOL. But I thought I'd revisit it as Tyler for those of you who may not have heard it :-)
I have this tree analogy when I think of people in my life, be it friends, family, acquaintances, employees, co-workers, whomever...They are all placed inside what I call my tree test. It goes like this:
LEAF PEOPLE
Some people come into your life and they are like leaves on a tree. They are only there for a season. You can't depend on them or count on them because they are weak and only there to give you shade. Like leaves, they are there to take what they need and as soon as it gets cold or a wind blows in your life they are gone. You can't be angry at them, it's just who they are.
BRANCH PEOPLE
There are some people who come into your life and they are like branches on a tree. They are stronger than leaves, but you have to be careful with them. They will stick around through most seasons, but if you go through a storm or two in your life it's possible that you could lose them. Most times they break away when it's tough. Although they are stronger than leaves, you have to test them out before you run out there and put all your weight on them. In most cases they can't handle too much weight. But again, you can't be mad with them, it's just who they are.
ROOT PEOPLE
If you can find some people in your life who are like the roots of a tree then you have found something special. Like the roots of a tree, they are hard to find because they are not trying to be seen. Their only job is to hold you up and help you live a strong and healthy life. If you thrive, they are happy. They stay low key and don't let the world know that they are there. And if you go through an awful storm they will hold you up. Their job is to hold you up, come what may, and to nourish you, feed you and water you.
Just as a tree has many limbs and many leaves, there are few roots. Look at your own life. How many leaves, branches and roots do you have? What are you in other people's lives?
THANK GOD FOR YOUR ROOTS! You may want to call them today or share this message with them and attach your own note saying, "thanks for being my root".
By the way, don't waste your time sending this to a leaf, they won't get it anyway.
Love you,
Tyler
Comments (page 5)
Roz Intl Passport User
I'm a Root but Lord knows when it comes to dating I keep running into leaves and branches..On the flip side I have a few Roots that are my Ride or Die People and man do I LOVE them soooo much :)
ReplyThandeka South Africa, Port Elizabeth
Whoooww it is so amazing how your creative mind works. This "analogy" just made things easier to understand, especially the people we welcome into our lives. I would like to think I am the root in every relationship I involve myself into. Even though it is very hard to accept the fact that, there are just those who come into our lives with different agenda, good, bad and even ugly, but the bottom line, I must learn how to accept their characters, i.e. who they are for real and their purpose for our paths to cross. The Bible is teaching us that, we don't fight against flesh and blood but against the evil principalities spirits. Therefore, it will be easier for me to understand the "leaf" and "branches" that has come into my life, whether they are left bruses or new buds that will blossom leaves again, at the end of the day, that who they want to live their lives.
ReplyDebra MS
I just got rid of a branch in my life. Now my stress level has greatly improve and i finally have a peace of mind. Thanks Tyler for putting things in prospective, i never really thought of it that way until now....its always good to have another brain working with positive thoughts besides mine...lol!
ReplyJessie Ypsilanti, MI
I just explained this theory to a friend the other day on the phone. From the movie. And then I open up my email to read what we just talked about. Very timely, very relevant. Very true. It helped me make more sense of the world when I first heard it out of Madea's mouth, and it helps to re visit it today also. Thank you for posting/emailing this. <3
ReplyPriscilla Georgia
When I finished reading this, it made me think about the family tree, and how that every family knows what is on their tree. I have recently learned to love the ones, who's intentions are to take and never give from afar. Thank you for breaking this analogy down in the manner in which you did Mr. Perry. Very helpful
ReplyMarsha Henry-Lewis Tampa, USA/St. Eliz., Jamaica
A most interesting analogy. I agree...people are who they are, let them be. While reading, I found myself analyzing my life, trying to associate the people in my life with the different parts of the tree. I soon realized I had alot more leaves than branches and much more than roots. However, when I think of my roots, I feel so blessed because they are really really strong roots. On another side, I could not help but wonder, how do I relate to those leaves who are always expecting me to be their root? Is that fair? Or should I accept this as life?
ReplyPriscilla Georgia #1742764
Hi Marsha, I use to have the same problem, but I had to realize that I really don't owe anyone anything, what I do, I do out of love not because they expect me to. My life has been so stress free since I explained my feelings to certain people, family as well. God bless you
ReplyWISDOM Palm Beach
Dear Mr. Perry, For Better or Worse was so refreshing! Thank you for trusting God and not compromising your spiritual values within the sitcom, by adding profanity and other subtle negatives. I liked the narrator voice inserts. It was different and helped the shows punch lines and brought attention to details. People like to hear a story read to them. I just loved it! By the way, I've sent you several invites. Please respond
ReplyAmani Florida
Hi Tyler... Lol! I feel like I should be calling you Mr. Perry! Anyway this is so so true it amazes me how you can relate so well with everyone else :) I love you and you have helped so many people. Please leave some more video messages! Happy 43rd! You are amazingly talented and your fans ( including me ) are so proud of you! Trees that's brilliant I never looked at it like that wow you are beyond brilliant! Luv u! A fan!
ReplyRoxanne Roundtree New Castle De
Love you Tyler Perry everything you do is a blessing. Keep up the good work. Luv Roxie
ReplyDee Dee Louisville, KY
Hey Tyler, I'm glad that you revisited this. This is absolutely one of my favorite parts of that play, actually that entire scene...such words of wisdom. That play has gotten me through many times when people I expected to be there let me down. It brought me laughter and comfort to know that people are what they are and that's all that they may ever be. Lord knows I have had more than enough leaves and branches in my life and it is very easy to get upset when you expect them to be something that they aren't capable of being...at least not in your life. I’m glad that they are no longer a part of my life and I am thankful for the roots who have stuck it out with me through the good and the bad.
Replycynthia nigeria
You are the bestest tyler,thank God the industry have a man like you,all the way from africa I'd like to let u know you have the largest number of fans in my family,we love and respect you,thumbs up..God is your strenght
ReplySharon Myles 4849 N.E. Killingsworth Apt. B Portland, Oregon 97218
I am a miracle. GOD has brought me through recurring Cancer since 1994, 5 surgeries, 2 chemotherapy treatments, 2 radiation treatments later, as well as addiction, bringing me to 3 years sobriety October 27th. GOD is GOOD and MIGHTY. ONE DAY AT A TIME I see life for what it truly is, living each day to it's fullest. The photo of you tyler, arms stretched out wide, is the inspiration I receive from you, saying THANK YOU GOD.
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