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Moxie on Monday

Moxie on Monday: Let It Take Root Before You Reveal It

Some things grow best in the dark

By Catherine Grace O’Connell April 21, 2025

A woman in a blue dress and sunhat sits on a rock at the beach, facing the ocean waves with her feet in the sand.

We live in a world that celebrates the loud, the visible, the shared. Social media turns our lives into highlight reels, with ideas and dreams posted before they’ve even taken root.

But the most powerful growth happens in the quiet. Life-changing ideas often rise from solitude — like mushrooms, meant to grow in the dark, away from prying eyes and premature judgment.

I recently came across a phrase that struck a deep chord: “Some of your greatest wins will come in silence.” It reminded me of the importance of holding your dreams close to your chest, especially in the beginning. The early phase of creation is delicate, like a seed that’s just been planted. You wouldn’t dig it up to check on it every day. You water it. Nurture it. Protect it.

There’s something sacred about the unseen phase. It’s where dreams incubate and where intentions take shape without interference. Your energy isn’t scattered but focused inward, directing your thoughts, your heart, and your will toward what you truly desire.

I’ve learned this the hard way.

In the past, I’d get so excited about a new idea or opportunity that I’d rush to share it. But not everyone will meet your enthusiasm with support. Even well-meaning friends can project doubt or offer unsolicited advice that chips away at your confidence. When something isn’t fully formed, it’s vulnerable. 

And what’s vulnerable needs protection, not exposure.

This isn’t about secrecy. It’s about sovereignty. It’s about learning to hold your power. Silence doesn’t mean hiding. It means honoring the sacred space of becoming. You don’t need permission to bloom.

So how do we know when to share and when to stay silent?

Here are a few truths I’ve come to trust:

Protect the Seed.

When a dream is new, hold it close. Journal it. Meditate on it. Build a quiet relationship with it before announcing it to the world.

Check Your Intention.

Are you looking for validation or approval? If so, stay inward. Wait until your idea feels grounded and whole, without needing external approval.

Let It Solidify.

When something feels integrated, your actions align and you’ve taken steps toward making your vision real, that’s when it’s strong enough to be seen.

Own the Silence.

Use quiet to your advantage. Let your actions speak. Let your energy build. Trust that silence is doing the work. 

Some of the most transformational things in my life began as a whisper. Not a roar. Not a spotlight. Just a quiet nudge from the universe that said, “This way.”

This week, honor the whisper. Trust the pause. And remember:  just because no one else can see it yet doesn’t mean it’s not real. It means it’s sacred.

Silence isn’t passive. It’s powerful. It’s where queens rise, visions sharpen, and purpose crystallizes. Protect your power. Let your dreams take root in private, so when you rise, you and your dreams will be unshakable.

About Moxie on Monday

Catherine Grace O’Connell is chief executive cat-alyst of her female-focused digital media agency MODLife Media and an expert on becoming ageless in mind, body, and spirit. She has more than 30 years of study and experience in natural wellness, mindfulness, meditation and fitness. She is also the founder of Ageless In Seattle, a heart-centered community for women of all ages. You can follow her on her website CatherineGraceO, Instagram @catherinegraceo, and Tiktok @catherinegraceo

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