Have you ever felt like you weren't living up to your full potential?
Do you know deep down you have something more to offer the world, but something keeps holding you back?
Have you tried productivity hacks and self-help books, only to find that nothing seems to stick?
There is another way to create real, lasting change.
In THE CHERRY TREE THEORY, you'll learn a powerful transformation doesn't come from pushing yourself harder. It comes from changing the conditions that shape your life.
A cherry tree cannot bloom in poisoned soil.
And neither can you.
Drawing on the wisdom of nature, THE CHERRY TREE THEORY shows how growth becomes inevitable when the environment around you begins to support it.
In this book, you'll learn how
Understand the true roots of your struggles Remove the hidden poisons holding you back Shift the influences shaping your life Build surroundings that allow you to grow …and finally unlock your true potential.
Rich and Rox Pink are the creators of a global community of more than five million people, bestselling authors, and hosts of an award-winning podcast about rebuilding your life. Between them they have survived addiction, divorce, debt, trauma, and the kind of mistakes that can make you feel like you've permanently ruined your future.
The seven simple steps in this book will show you how to rebuild your life from the ground up — from people who have actually done it.
When you stop trying to fix yourself and start fixing the conditions around you, you will finally grow into the person you always knew you were meant to be.
A must-have guide to healing, with loads of humor and four-letter words
This book is exactly what you’d expect from adhd_love if you’re a fan, and the wit and wisdom brimming from every page is entertaining and enlightening all at once. You’ll read about some of the harrowing, heart-rending moments that each has endured and also the steps they took to slowly build lives where they’re truly, deliriously happy. If occasionally shouting at trees, of course.
I’m definitely not a fan of self-help books in general, but I picked this one up because I adore the authors. I have to say, I’m beyond thrilled that I did: these guys changed my life yet again.
Rich and Rox’s videos are why I pursued an ADHD and ASD diagnosis, and they’ve been little lifesavers to learning how to understand my brain and get along better with myself and others. Now, as I’m looking to how to improve a difficult life situation, they’re giving me the encouragement that I need to pursue a better job for myself and that maybe there’s hope for me, too. I applied to graduate schools at the age of 40 while reading this book, and I want to thank the authors for helping me believe it’s not too late to follow a dream.
Congratulations on living lives dreams are made of, Rox and Rich! Can’t wait to read your next book!
I’m not a reader of self-help books but I love Rox and Rich’s content. As a fellow sufferer of ADHD I think this book is very open and honest, and it inspired the hell out of me actually 🥹
This book was beautiful. No normal self help rubbish. Really, brutally honest but needed advice on how to take control of your life. I love this couple and they keep surprising me with how much they are capable of. I loved this book and would recommend to anyone!
I’m AuDHD and it can be difficult to read books. I’m easily distracted and if there isn’t a good enough story or point I haven’t seen before, I’m lost to it. This was not one of those books.
It was easy to read, paced well, filled with unsuspecting nuggets, and shared difficult things in ways that weren’t too triggering. It unearthed salty water to my eye corners, but also gave me a gentle hug, guidance, and hope. It felt like a long conversation made with strangers met at the same dinner party that ended up changing your life forever.
And even though I felt my tree was past saving, Rox and Rich sent me home with the seeds to plant a new one after I felt like mine was burned to a crisp and had unfortunately been turned to mulch. And I’m sure I’m not the only one. I believe seasons from now this bloom of theirs could bring back cherry trees in groves.
another incredible book from 2 amazing people. They are right, this isn't just another "self help" book. I couldn't put it down. thankyou for being vulnerable and sharing your stories and allowing us an opportunity to learn how to blossom 🌸🌸
honestly I've always loved anything Rox and Rich write, but this one really hit home with me, a lot of this book applies to aspects of my life and reading it from people who have been through it and have come out the other side really made me feel seen anyone who struggles with mental health and direction in life, this book is the one
What a rather refreshingly different way of thinking. Another fantastic book by Rich and Rox Pink. It shows its never too late to change your environment to benefit your growth.
I really liked this book, a very real and raw self-help book. As a surprise to no one, Rox and Rich's method of communicating and relating is entertaining and endearing. The book's rhythm is simple and engaging, moving from cherry trees to personal experiences, then to practical reflection or action. Would recommend to anyone with a pulse or a cherry tree.
This book feels like less of a self help book, and more like a long conversation with the authors. Honest, raw & with a lot of ‘colourful’ language Rox & Rich share their life story to date in such a way that the reader may relate to self help & growth like a ‘gardener’ growing a cherry tree to blossom! 🌸
I think this would be good for someone who hasn't already started their "blooming" process. I enjoyed hearing the stories from Rox and Rich's life.. but I found the tips hard to relate to. I will perhaps try and listen to this again another time with a different mindset.
Rox, Rich… what can I say other than this is the first ‘self help’ book that I think could actually help me xx thank you for sharing this with the world.
This book felt like a warm hug from a friend. It was so simple yet so revolutionary and it’s made me feel so inspired to start putting in a little bit more work to achieving my dreams and letting love into my life
I have been following Rox and Rich on social media because their ADHD/autism content is so relatable and they are just very likable people. So I gave this book a go thinking it would be more of the same or what they put on social media. Wow I was wrong; it’s incredibly deeper.
It’s not about ADHD or autism. It’s actually about the cherry tree in their yard, but the tree is an analogy to human growth and perseverance. They apply the seven steps they used to bring their tree from near death to blooming to their own lives and each explain how they reached their darkest moments and got through them. It’s actually done in a double memoir, with Rich telling a person story in one small chapter, then Rox tellling her story. And the stories are in chronological order structured by the seven steps. And then they extrapolate advice and wisdom which is actually quite good wisdom!
My favorite step was the last - watching the tree blossom - because it is when they blossomed. I even wrote down a couple quotes from the book.
“So many of us bury our dreams before we give them a chance. Life circumstances get in the way and we tell ourselves that it can never be different, that that kind of risk or life just isn’t meant for us. Whether it’s starting a business, turning a hobby into income, retraining with a new skill, or simply moving to a role that doesn’t make us miserable, we write ourselves off far too soon.” —Rich Pink
And the story resonated with me of all the times I have resisted change and just maintained the status quo.
The other quote is from Rox in the same chapter:
“Sometimes your true purpose isn’t the goal you’re chasing. It’s the thing you discover while you’re chasing it. … You have no f*king idea what can happen in this life if you simply dare to follow your passions. The foundation you make for yourself when you do that is so f*king fertile that the dream you thought you were chasing may give way to something even greater.” —Rox Pink
And that is inspiring because I have so many ideas, all the time, and it is so true that once you get started in something it can give way to a new idea or interest I never new existed. For example I took a visit to a wildlife sanctuary to see lemurs and came out falling in love with sloths which led me to book a trip to Costa Rica. And who knows where that trip will take me. The idea is to keep an open mind and keep being passionate, keep following your interests and your passiions. Learn as you go.
Anyway, it was a short read, but really rich (pun unintended), warm, and inspiring. Which is what it is intended to do. So I’m happy to give it 5 stars!
I love the metaphor of the cherry tree, that if you're not blooming, you don't just blame yourself. You look at the environment. If your environment is right, you will bloom and be the best version of yourself.
I found most of the book really well written and I got emotional in some parts. Rox and Rich both share a lot of personal things. I found that the most valuable of the book, the real insight in other peoples lives. How they struggled, but changed their environment and got better. It's personal, real and deep, that is something I can truly appreciate. The sentences about how you are not to blame, and that if your environment isn't good, it's just not possible for you to bloom. How you should be curious about your life and what is affecting you and not look at it with shame. Those felt a little like a warm hug.
The advise that is offered wasn't live changing for me. It's mainly stuff I already knew. Still it's nice how they write it out so clearly and make a small question based summary at the end of the book.
I feel like some things were repeating multiple times, but it wasn't hindering.
Overall love the concept and the metaphor. I think it's also really great that they didn't just give advise and call it a day. They gave insight in how this advise came to be. How it has actually helped them. I think it's pretty amazing how they can be so open and honest and non-judgemental.
This book helped me address something I'd like to personally work on. I really enjoyed this book seeing Rox and Rich life transform.
What a lovely metaphor of comparing oneself to a cherry tree. Hearing the story about thier cherry tree in the garden was quite hilarious as I do the same as Rox and talk to inanimate objects and almost like they have feelings 🤣
This book can support so many y people in differnet expirences help tackle self sabotage behaviours and addressing the root causes to issues or problems you may be experiencing.
I love how Rich and Rox were saying about even the mundane tasks can feel amazing once you feel that you have achieved a more settled grounded life. Like you've made it moments .
I wpuld highly reccomedn this book and Rox amd Rich shluld be So proud of how far they have come and everything they have done so far on their amazing journey.
Thank you Rox for an amazing performance at download festival and your Adhd love talk was fantastic! You completely captivated the crowd. Also thank you Rich for supporting your lovely wife with all the admin and organising skills along the way. Both are brillant!
I read this in one go and challenged myself to read it on kindle and try to focus my brain. I was going to op for the audible version but i do like a challenge.
I have autism and adhd so this can be challeging with focus but the hyper fixation on this book was great. I read it all In a couple of hours ❤️
After my morning ‘Couch to 5k’ efforts, I have just sat and read this in one go. What an incredible book. I read most of it in floods of tears. A brave and brutally honest look at how changing your environment can change your life - thank you for sharing your lives and your very real love-story with the world. I could say you’re so lucky to have found one another and to be living the lives you always dreamed of, but it’s got nothing to do with luck and everything to do with hard work and courage. With the last few years having been so difficult, I haven’t felt much motivation to try and fix things for a long time, stuck in a loop of believing that everything is my fault and that I’m powerless to change it. But, recently, I have managed to start exercising again (with many complaints from my knees) and now I feel even more motivated to try and cut down on my poisons (wine!), work harder on my roots and do some pruning. And I don’t even have a garden 😅
Amazing. Even if you aren't (totally) f*cking up your life, I highly recommend giving this book a read! I bought it on a whim, because I love Rich & Roz's ADHD videos and because it was coming up to my birthday and I wanted to treat myself. I'd already seen their filmed summary of the book, and I know they aren't professional therapists, so I wasn't sure I'd get much out of reading it -- but wow was I wrong. The book literally (lol) evokes every emotion except for boredom. It's easy to read and digest, it's funny, it has checklists to return to on rainy days, and most of all it instills HOPE for a better future in realistic, helpful and honest ways. And, as bonus, you'll get (blooming great) gardening tips! Find joy in the ordinary moments of your life - including by reading the Cherry Tree Theory. You won't regret it.
As a neuro divergent person, I have possibly read every single self help book there is - to try and make me "normal", fit with society and not be such a life fuck up.
It was awesome to read the story of Rich and Rox, their own messy life and how their steps in life have made them come out the other side - not in perfection, but in acceptance that life is a messy mix of experiences.
This book showed to me that: 1. Life is messy and you can recover, if you take ownership. 2. Embracing yourself kindly and doing simple steps, Slowly... (Something I always struggle with) will get you in a better place. 3. Find your support network- don't be afraid to cut the dead wood, put yourself in better soil, feed, water and give yourself 🌞
Great book for the % of us out there who don't fit the "norm,"
Absolutely fucking BRILLIANT!! I will be recommending this book to everyone I meet. Not only is it a great insight into Rich and Rox's amazing survival of demons and decay, it's hilarious, heartwarming and so bloody simple! Everything they say is so obvious. Of course a Cherry Tree needs good soil, light etc. I won't say too much, because I want, no, I NEED you to read this book. Wherever you are in your life, I really think this book will help you. And the section at the end? Excellent. Thank you. Both of you. For a brilliant book, for your honesty and most importantly for starting me on my own gardening journey. X
It is everything you would expect from Rich and Rox and then they go the extra mile on top of it. Beautifully written, inspiring, and raw. For those of us who have already experienced their “bloom”, and for those who need the roadmap, it is helpful in both cases alike.
The last bit of the book drags on a bit, but if you know anything about these lovely people, I have no doubt it’s the excitement and wanting to dig their heels into the fact that they truly believe in you. It’s a forgivable sin to have too many paragraphs of love and support.
Listened to this book for a quit lit book club. Probably not a book I would have picked up otherwise, as I don't really resonate with the subtitle. The authors were good narrators and did a great job telling their personal stories, but I felt it was a bit of a stretch to write an entire book around the analogy of caring for a cherry tree and applying it to improving their lives in general.
Maybe a good introduction to self help for those who don't normally enjoy long, drawn out books. Quick and basic.
I'm in awe of how raw and real this book is, without being gross or crude. The truth is what kept my interest; the way it was presented, almost a conversation between friends. I've had those moments when I surprise people with the truth of where I have been, and this just resonates. That is the gift here, that you will feel seen by reading through Rich and Rox's own journey, the parts where they were ready to give up, to the parts where they cry with joy. Quite the trek, worth the ride.
I really enjoyed this book. If you've listened to their podcast (or maybe it's written in another book) then this is a familiar concept, but the book explains it deeper. The whole theory reminds me how growing up when I was struggling with ADHD, my mom would quote Einstein, "if you judge a fish it's an entire life on how to climb a tree, it'll live it's life believing it's a failure". This book is a deeper analogy better serving trauma and neurodivergency.
Great analogies throughout to help with personal growth! Personal stories to back up the journey that needs to be undertaken. I fell in love watching Rich and Rox in their videos about ADHD after a late in life diagnoses. In fact, their videos helped me pursue getting diagnosed. This book offers helpful advice even to those without ADHD! I hope to keep blooming!
Beautiful, real, healing. A lovely read with colourful language, and I love that I read this with Rox & Rich’s voices in my head after seeing so many of their videos. Will need to check out their other books 🤍 highly recommend for anyone with ADHD, neurodivergent loved ones, addiction or relationship struggles, and/or fear of finding real love and joy.
I'm not one to buy merchandise or books based on TikTok, but I do enjoy Rich & Rox's content - and it's helped me understand the ADHD people in my life better. The book was not what I expected, but I would highly recommend it. I read it in just a few hours. It was insightful, honest and heartwarming.
Be advised there are multiple "f-bombs" if such language offends you
This book came just in the right time for me. Needed this as I feel tears coming down slowly. It’s finally time for me to bloom!! Thank you for sharing your stories❤️ Really recommend this book !! Couldn’t stop reading.