What Matcha—and Struggle—Can Teach Us About Growth

I don’t usually fall for health crazes. But I’ll admit—I’m all in on matcha.

What’s fascinating is what makes matcha so powerful. It’s not some magical leaf from a distant land (though it is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition). It actually comes from the same plant that gives us green and black tea. The real magic? It’s in the struggle.

Matcha leaves are grown under shade, which forces them to fight for sunlight. That stress triggers the plant to produce more chlorophyll, more antioxidants, more nutrients. In other words, the struggle literally makes the leaf stronger—and better for us.

And then, instead of steeping it like typical tea, we grind the whole leaf into a fine, vibrant green powder. So you’re not just sipping a tea—you’re consuming the entire leaf, nutrients and all.

Funny enough, the same idea applies to wine. Pinot Noir grapes, known for producing some of the world’s most elegant wines, thrive under stress. Poor soil, tight spacing, extreme temperatures—these challenges produce grapes with more character, complexity, and flavor.

It’s no different with people.

We grow when we’re pushed. We become stronger through resistance. The matcha leaf is a reminder that it’s the tough conditions—the shade, the tension—that lead to the most potent results. Humans are the same way.

We weren’t made for comfort. We were made for challenge. So if you’re in a season of struggle, take heart. It might just be your matcha moment.

#matcha #matchatea #resiliene