Sowing the Seeds of Prosperity

As the elastic band universe begins to snap back (or gyrate) I am wondering what seeds of prosperity might be put in this slingshot to be flung in the right direction.
Or perhaps another analogy is appropriate. I feel it is important to consider ways of creating positive energy versus feeding the fires of destruction. It may take time, but a forest will re-generate itself after a fire. The seeds that that find the choice locations and establish growth the soonest end up with the best light and as the tallest of trees.

Of course, Mother Nature will ultimately look after herself, but as the US Forest Service and the San Bernardino National Forest Association understands, there are plenty of opportunities to help the natural order by actually planting seeds.

I've spoken with several people from different walks of life over the past couple of week who acknowledge that it is natural for many companies to see marketing and advertising as an expense that may be the first to go in hard times. Yet just about ALL of these same people acknowledge that those that have the courage to market themselves aggressively in hard times will almost always be the ones that get out ahead. In fact people almost seem to believe this is conventional wisdom. But perhaps it is like the conventional wisdom IQ test which I just found. Many of ideas we have are somewhat more cliché than actually truly believed.

Ultimately the nature or character behind the seed (or brand, or business) will have a great deal to do with what grows first. Young White Spruce prefer to be slightly shaded. This tree usually begins under an Aspen forest. Aspens will re-sprout from solid roots after a fire. Aspen stands may actually grow bigger after a fire, when the sun has a chance to increase soil temperature and make it more favorable for suckering and root growth.

I am aspiring to be an Aspen - and not a White Spruce as the smoke begins to clear. I hope to spread already deep and broad roots. Rather than a shotgun approach of many seeds in a slingshot, perhaps the best approach under the current circumstances is to rebuild from strong roots.

On the other hand, I will be very interested to see what new seeds blow in and take hold as a result of the opportunity this forest fire has created. Some of this new growth will eventually be overshadowed by larger trees. But if and when appropriate, I may just choose to throw some of my own seeds into the wind.

Regardless, the trick will be to focus on the opportunity for growth versus staring at the smoldering fire. When more and more people stop focusing on the fires and start to notice plants re-growing, this growth is likely to become exponential. Yes, the forest may take a while to truly hide the ashes, but the biggest and strongest trees are likely to be those that started growing earliest.

In more human natural disaster terms, some economists who have studied the effects of hurricanes in Florida have talked about the positive "Jacuzzi effect". If the old bathroom is destroyed, one might as well upgrade and put in a Jacuzzi when rebuilding. It ultimately increases the value of the property. If enough people do this, a neighborhood is revitalized.