What Harvesting Pecans Taught Me About How We Learn

I love my pecan tree. This is a pic of it in the summer.

The other day I was out under this big, gorgeous tree—hands cold, bucket ready—when it hit me: this tree is a perfect metaphor for how we learn… and how people interact with the things we teach.

It’s simple, but it’s been sitting with me ever since.

Here’s what I noticed:

1. Sometimes we only notice the tree—not its value.

There are times I’ve walked past this tree without thinking much about it. It was just… there.

A lot of learning happens the same way.

People walk past ideas, opportunities, or even what we offer because they simply don’t know what’s inside yet.

No judgment—just unawareness.

And sometimes we do this too. We notice something, but we’re not ready to see its value.

That’s okay.

Awareness is still part of the journey.

Sometimes it just isn’t the time or season yet.

2. Sometimes learning just falls at our feet.

Every year the tree drops pecans all over the ground. No effort required—just bend down and pick them up. (Or use a cool roller cage like I have to gather the nuts.)

Some lessons in life feel like that.

They come easily. They’re obvious. They’re low-effort.

And honestly? Some people only ever gather what “falls.” They’ll use the free tips, the low-price offers, the no-risk guidance. That’s their season.

And that’s okay too.

3. Sometimes the good stuff is up in the branches.

When I’m willing to look up, reach higher, and do a little work… that’s where the best, fullest pecans are.

This is the deeper level of learning.

The kind that requires investment—of time, effort, or resources.

And this is also what happens in coaching:

When someone is ready to climb a bit… to engage a bit more… that’s when they reach the good stuff that’s been waiting for them.

That’s when growth becomes rich, personal, and life-shifting.

4. And sometimes… it’s simply not the season yet.

No amount of shaking or wishing makes a pecan fall before it’s ready.

Learning is the same.

Healing is the same.

Transformation is the same.

Some insights ripen slowly.

Some breakthroughs take time.

And some people won’t be ready for what you offer until their season changes.

There’s no pressure in that—just trust.

If you’re ready to reach a little higher this season…

I’d love to support you.

I’m offering a free coaching call where we’ll explore what you’re working through and help you find the next right step for your growth.

If you want to talk through what’s “ripe” for you right now, I’d be honored to join you in that process.

Just send me a message if you're interested and want to know more.

Or click HERE to schedule your call.

If this post resonated with you, please consider sharing it to spread the word. It might be of use to someone you know.

#Leadership #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #LifelongLearning #WomenInLeadership #FaithBasedCoaching #ChristianWomen #Motivation #GrowthMindset #InspiredLiving#nourishingbodyandsoul #eatingpsychologycoach #eatingpsychology #mindbodynutrition#christianwellness #faithandwellness #mindbodysoul #womenoffaith