The Broccoli Tree | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Broccoli Tree

To share something is to risk losing it.

277
The Broccoli Tree
Pexels

The story of the Broccoli Tree, a once a well-loved piece of Vättern, Sweden, is one that is, sadly, becoming more and more common. In this video from the Vlogbrothers Youtube channel, Hank Green recounts the its story. It started with a photograph of the tree, taken by a man who passed by it on a regular basis. He was struck by the tree's resemblance to a giant stalk of broccoli sticking up out of the ground. One day, he took an un-staged photo of the tree and posted it to Instagram. That's when everything changed.

The tree became a social media icon as the photographer continued to upload snapshots of the scenery surrounding it. The tree had its own Instagram account with thousands of followers. Travelers took time out of their trips to go and see the Broccoli Tree. Soon, the man that took the first photo soon found himself taking pictures of people taking pictures of the tree.

The story of the tree got lots of attention. The tragedy of this scenario and ones like it is that there are some people out there who won't to take some of that attention and put it on themselves. Whether it's an issue with their own self-esteem or something else entirely, they allow the bitterness that forms in their hearts to dictate their actions.

One day, their was something noticeably different about the Broccoli Tree. Upon closer inspection, someone had decided to deprive the world of something that had been bringing people together for years. In the Vlogbrothers video, Hank states, "To share something is to risk losing it."

However, he goes on to point out that, if the original photographer had never shared that initial image of the tree on Instagram and connected with people that shared his same love of the Broccoli Tree, he would have been alone in his feelings of loss, instead of having people all across the world who felt the same way.

There's always a risk when you share something that you value with those around you. There's no way to tell how they're going to react, or if their going to cherish it the same way that you do. However, when you find your community, it means that you will never have to be alone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178299
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5497
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451336
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22670
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments