The Fallen Tree
Read the story first: The Fallen Tree.
By the end of this workbook, you will have written your own operator’s manual. Together, you’ll understand each other’s wiring—so you’re not putting diesel fuel in a gas engine or gas in a diesel engine, but learning how to think, feel, and care for each other properly.
SOP (Addition)
As we move into the next three stories, you’ll hear stressful, high-pressure moments from my life. I was under extreme stress, and I had to cut myself out. But I don’t want you to match my story—I want you to think of your own. Before group discussion, share a personal story with your partner that reflects extreme happiness, joy, love, or a time you felt deeply cared for—and how you dealt with it. It may also be a time of loneliness, isolation, or something meaningful that shaped you. Tell those stories first, then as a class we’ll compare how stress and joy both shape personality. The goal is not to become someone else, but to understand how you were formed and how that affects how you think, feel, and respond. Stay grounded in your own story.
Personal Reflection:
Part of my personality showed itself in that moment. The pain was intense, and I felt like I had to cut myself out. But logically, it was early morning—someone would have come by, and I could have called out for help. I could endure the pain, but I could not accept needing help. That decision revealed something deeper—pride and self-reliance. As you share your stories, pay attention to those small traits within you, because they shape how you think, respond, and relate to others.
Questions
- What story did you choose, and what made it meaningful?
- How did that moment shape how you respond to people today?
- Were you more focused on feelings or actions, and how does that show up now?
- What differences did you notice in how you and your partner process emotions?
- How can understanding those differences improve how you respond to each other?
SOP: Mission for the Week
This week, reach outside the two of you. Choose someone in your family—a child, grandchild, parent, or someone close. Call them and ask them to share a story from their life. Give simple examples—joy, love, loneliness, or a meaningful moment—and let them think if needed. Then listen. Don’t interrupt or fix. Afterward, discuss what that story reveals about their personality—how they think, feel, and respond. If they’re younger, consider how you can help guide them toward balance. Balance is the key. If all you do is carry weight, you lose speed. If all you do is run, you lose strength. Strength and endurance meet in the middle. Invest in each other and your family, and begin to understand what their operator’s manual will look like.