"How old do you think this tree is?" the guide asked. "Anyone want to guess?"

I stared up at the towering rainbow eucalyptus, its bark streaked with otherworldly bands of green, purple, and maroon. It pierced the clouds above, rivulets of light from the afternoon sun filtering through its leaves. 

Standing in a circle with our bamboo walking sticks, each person in the group took their best guess.

"300 years?" a young man in cargo pants ventured. "250?" a silver-haired woman chimed in. Others guessed 500, maybe 200, possibly 150. 

The guide smiled. 

"This tree—and this entire forest—are less than 50 years old." 

She explained that back in the early 1980s, this forest did not exist. The land we were standing on had been used for cattle ranching. Decades of overuse had left it ravaged, stripped, and bare. Devoid of any plants aside from raggedy patches of grass. 

Then, a team of conservationists began a reforestation project, driven by an exciting question: how quickly could we create a thriving forest? 

They chose fast-growing native trees and plants that would cooperate with one another rather than compete. Root systems that could interlock, plants holding hands with their neighbors, helping each other to grow faster. 

Planting strategically, they created an environment with the perfect conditions for new life to flourish ... fast. In just a couple of decades, the land has become unrecognizable. 

Hearing this, I was stunned. As I gazed around the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary—vast trees soaring a hundred feet in the air, thick vines, soft moss—it didn't seem possible. 

All of this grew from nothing? In less than 50 years? A blink of an eye.

My sister Olivia (left) and I (right) saying hello to the big eucalyptus tree.

The forest is not only beautiful. It has created new weather patterns. 

The trees catch vapor rising from the ocean, forming clouds and mist, and the cool condensation drips down their trunks into the volcanic rock below, where the liquid filters back down towards the coast to begin the cycle anew. 

Where there was previously only barren land and scorching sun, now, there is water. 

As the tour ended, the guide said simply, "Thank you for visiting. We hope this forest has shown you that meaningful change is possible in your lifetime." 

Certain kinds of changes take centuries, even lifetimes, to happen. 

But sometimes, positive change can occur rapidly. Faster than we might think. Especially when people work together, rallying around a shared vision, and taking decisive, intentional action. 

Time can bend in surprising ways, depending on our attitudes. When we ask, "How quickly could this happen? What could be possible?" we move fast. But when we assume, "This is going to take forever," we move slowly. (Or not at all.)

What might be possible within your country, community, or family, in the span of your lifetime? Or in the next year? Month? Week? Before the end of today? 

Today is not over yet. 

My hope for humanity hasn't run out yet, either. 

-Alex

PS. If you have the opportunity to visit the Kona Cloud Forest in Hawaii, do it. Take a guided tour, or sign up for their shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) meditation experience. You will be awestruck. 

PPS. Can't visit a forest today? Close your eyes and listen to this gorgeous sound bath. 

PPPS. During the Hawaii Writing Retreat that happened a few weeks ago, I took my guests to the Kona Cloud Forest. It was extraordinarily moving. If you are interested in attending a future retreat, please watch your inbox. Dates for my 2026 and 2027 retreats will be announced soon. 

PPPPS. Love this newsletter? Catch on up previous newsletters you might have missed. You can also read articles and essays on my website.

PPPPPS. Craving a quieter life? A less cluttered mind? A calmer career? Thinking about quitting social media or perhaps taking a temporary break? 

Join me for a free workshop on how to build a successful business without social media. 

Learn how to find plenty of clients or customers using email, events, referrals, and other options. No social media required. 

Friday, February 6, 2026. 

 

11 am to 12 pm Pacific. 

 

Online. Attend from anywhere in the world. 

 

Sign up if you'd like to attend. 

 

If you can't make it that day, sign up anyway. You'll receive a recording that you can watch anytime. Enjoy!