The darkness is thick. The confines of my surroundings heavy. Lingering cold immobilizes me.

Yet, something stirs inside, an irresistible call to grow, to rise, to be something different.

The process anything but easy still seems more plausible than remaining here.

But where is the growth without the restrictions and uneasiness to push against? These guides assure my strength along the way.

Yes, the breakthrough is near. I sense the spaciousnesses, feel the glimmer of light, know the way forward.

I sprout. I push on. I prevail against the struggles of facing the unfamiliar, knowing there will still be frosts, others competing for the light, and the inevitable timing out of this opportunity to grow.

And still I rise.