When Retreat Is Not Defeat: Trusting the Natural Cycles of Growth

Beautiful poetic quote by Victoria Erikson

We often expect ourselves to push forward constantly—to be productive, present, energised. But just like ocean waves, we’re not built for continuous motion. The quote by Victoria Erickson really struck me this week. It reminded me that stepping back isn’t giving up—it’s gathering.

I spoke with a client this week about Winter being a time of hibernation, a time to gather and huddle ready for the new energy of the emergence of Spring.

In coaching, I often meet women and young people who feel "stuck," unsure whether they’re doing enough or moving fast enough. What if your stillness isn’t a problem to fix, but a space to breathe?

Just like a wave must retreat to build strength for its next surge, we too must pause to process, reflect, and realign. This rhythm shows up in every part of life: in friendships that need distance to deepen, in creativity that blooms after rest, and in confidence that grows not from constant doing—but from clarity.

I want to say, as both a coach and a human, that I need this reminder too. It's easy to get tangled in the pressure to be always ‘on’—to keep sharing, posting, supporting. But when I give myself permission to slow down, I return more grounded, more present, and more me.

So if you're in a retreat phase, trust it. Let it be meaningful. You're not broken or behind. You're preparing.

Let the waves do what they do.

You’ll rise again with greater force, purpose, and truth.