Unseen Growth: The Power of Roots Below the Surface
- Ryan Michaels
- Nov 7, 2024
- 2 min read
The image above paints a powerful metaphor for growth, resilience, and the often-hidden journey toward becoming who we truly are. Above the ground, there’s only a small, humble flower, yet beneath the surface lies an expansive, intricate web of roots—an entire foundation that no one sees. This visual speaks volumes about what it means to grow, to heal, and to strengthen ourselves in ways that others might never fully understand or recognize.
Growth Isn’t Always Seen… and *That’s Okay*
In life, so much of our growth happens out of sight, much like the roots in this image. We face struggles, endure challenges, and experience quiet triumphs that don’t make it to the surface. The world might only see a fraction of who we are or the steps we’ve taken to get here, but the depth and strength of our roots tell a different story. These roots represent resilience, the courage to keep going, and the countless moments of silent growth that shape our identity.
We often find ourselves wanting acknowledgment, hoping that others can see the progress we’ve made. But real growth doesn’t require validation. It’s an intimate journey, and not everyone will understand or appreciate the strength it takes to build these unseen foundations. And that’s okay.
Perspective and Truth: Only You Know Your Journey
It’s human to care about others' perspectives, to feel the need for acceptance or approval. But other people’s perspectives are just that—views shaped by their own experiences, biases, and limits. These perspectives don’t define your truth. Only you know the full extent of the battles you’ve fought and the growth you’ve achieved.
The unseen journey of growth, like the roots in this image, reminds us that our worth isn’t defined by what others see or acknowledge. You are the only one who truly understands the depth of your own roots. So, let others have their perspectives, but remember: they don’t tell the whole story, and they certainly don’t dictate your value or your truth.
Embrace Your Roots, Keep Growing.
Whether your growth is recognized or remains beneath the surface, it is real, and it is yours. Embrace the strength of your roots, the unseen growth that makes you who you are. Keep nurturing those parts of yourself that go unnoticed, because they are what ground you, strengthen you, and ultimately allow you to bloom in ways that others might not expect or understand.
Growth doesn’t always need to be seen to be meaningful. Just like the roots of that flower, your journey is both beautiful and powerful, even if only you can see its full extent. Trust in your journey, honor your progress, and remember: it’s okay if others can’t see all that you are becoming. What matters most is that you know.
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