What's Done In The Dark

In this episode of The Written Willow, we explore the quiet, foundational work that happens in the obscured seasons of life. From personal growth to healing and unseen labor, Dominique reflects on what it means to remain committed to your vision—even when there's nothing to show for it yet.

If you've ever wondered whether your effort matters when no one's watching, this episode offers an honest look at how transformation often begins long before results are visible.

Thank you for resting beneath the Willow.

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Transcript

Dominique Maria: Sometimes the most important work you'll ever do is the work. No one sees the kind done in the dark without praise, without proof. So how do you keep going when there's no recognition? When you have nothing to show for it, at least not yet. How do you not lose momentum when your tree has yet to bear fruit?

We'll get into that and more on today's episode of the Written Willow.

Welcome back everyone. I'm Dominique Maria, and I'm so grateful you're here. In our last episode, we explore the seeds of potential, how fear and hesitation often keep us from getting started. I. So today we're stepping into what comes after the planting that's sacred in between the space where you've started, but haven't produced anything tangible yet, where you're growing, stretching, working hard, and the world sees nothing.

Today's episode is about what's done in the dark and why that might just be one of the most important parts of your becoming. I'd like to start by sharing a poem with you. It's titled The Unseen. Beneath the soil where it's quiet and warm. My roots are stretching, beginning to take form. It's dark down here, but I really don't mind for the earth, and I have become intertwined.

I hear the remarks as the people walk by saying, poor little sprout, you have nothing to show. But my time is coming. They have no idea of all the magic happening below. This poem came from a quiet place, a season of silent stretching. I was showing up for myself daily, but had nothing to show for it publicly.

Being a stay at home mother, I was receiving unsolicited advice from just about anyone and everyone concerning the extracurricular activities they thought I should be doing outside of motherhood, and it was definitely hard to bite my tongue and not divulge all that I was doing behind the scenes. I've been writing poetry since I was seven, but it wasn't until my daughter was born that I felt the pull to create something tangible with her in mind.

And maybe you've been there too, doing the lone work, carving out a path for yourself, healing, creating. But from the outside, it just looks like idleness. And that can be very discouraging. It's hard to keep pushing forward without encouragement. It's hard to keep the vision of something beautiful forming when there's no applause.

No one's gonna throw a party for you when you fall and pick yourself up time and time again. But those moments matter just as much as your victories do. And here's the thing, you don't grow tall without roots. Everything built to withstand has a foundation, so it's worth making sure it's solid, and that involves letting go of ego and making peace with where you are.

So here's something I want you to hold onto. Growth isn't always loud, and transformation doesn't always come in a bright neon sign. Sometimes the deepest change happens quietly. Not because it's meek, but because it's sacred. Just take a look at butterflies. We marvel at their beauty, but to get to that state, they once had to be caterpillars that silently held up in their cocoons for weeks where no one could see what was going on.

Inside. That vital step is key to their metamorphosis. I like to think of quirky scenarios like this. Perhaps if that Caterpillar knew, it would literally shapeshift into another form. It would be too terrified to let the process unfold. Your journey isn't meant to be shared with everyone while you're on it.

The truth is not everyone will be able to see your vision as clearly as you can. Maybe that's why it was given to you, and unfortunately, not everyone will have your best interest in mind. So be mindful. Sharing your journey with others invites feedback, and that can be a beautiful thing, but it can also cause you to second guess yourself.

So if no one sees what you're becoming yet, that doesn't mean you're not. It means the roots are taking hold. If you're able to do so safely. I'd love to invite you to grab a journal or a sheet of paper and reflect with me on this. What are you building in silence right now? What part of your story is quietly stretching beneath the surface, and what might you gain?

By keeping it sacred just a little while longer, I'd like to leave you with one of my favorite proverbs. What's done in the dark always comes to light, and while it's often spoken with warning today, I hope you receive it as a promise. The self-discipline, the healing, the quiet commitment you're making.

It's not wasted. It's working. And in time it will rise. That's offered for today's episode. Next week we'll be changing directions a bit, so make sure to stay tuned. As usual, if this episode made you feel seen or simply gave you a quiet space to breathe, I'd love if you'd subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might need it.

And if you feel called to support this podcast, you can find a link to do so in the episode description. Until next time, may the wisdom of the Willow be with you.