You’re Not Stuck—You’re Rooting
- Vanessa Fryer
- Apr 6
- 2 min read
You've Heard It, "Root to Rise"
Growth does not always look like forward motion. In fact, some of the most important phases of growth feel slow, unclear, and deeply uncomfortable. They often feel like nothing is happening at all, which can be frustrating in a world that constantly pushes you to move faster, do more, and prove your progress.
However, nature does not operate that way. Before anything grows upward, it must first grow downward. Roots deepen and spread long before anything visible breaks through the surface. From the outside, it looks like stillness, but beneath that stillness, something strong and necessary is being built.
That is the space you may be in right now.
You are not behind, and you are certainly not failing. You are simply in a phase that requires patience, trust, and a willingness to stay present even when clarity has not fully arrived.
If you find yourself questioning everything, moving more slowly than usual, or craving rest while simultaneously judging yourself for it, consider the possibility that your body and mind are asking for exactly what they need.
Instead of forcing momentum, try allowing yourself to slow down without guilt. Create space to listen more closely to what is actually happening within you, and gently release the habit of comparing your timeline to anyone else’s.
How to Move Through This Phase
Grounding: Create space to listen instead of forcing clarity
Set aside even five minutes a day to sit without distraction. Focus on your breath, your body, or your surroundings. The goal is not to
“figure things out,” but to reconnect with yourself beneath the noise.
Strength: Build trust through small, consistent actions
When everything feels uncertain, keep your commitments small and achievable. Whether it is showing up for a short practice, a walk, or a moment of stillness, consistency builds internal stability.
Rebellion: Let go of the timeline you think you “should” be on
Choosing not to rush your growth in a fast-paced world is a radical act. Notice where you are comparing yourself, and consciously step back from that narrative.
