Phase
#1 Self
Seeing the Sun
Seeing the Sun
As the seedling emerges from the soil, it reaches towards the warmth and light of the sun, leaving behind the safety of the underground.
This is a moment of both growth and vulnerability. The desire to stretch and explore is strong, but the seedling is delicate and exposed to the elements of this new world.
It’s a time of transition, where the seedling must adapt and develop resilience to thrive in its newfound environment.
The Growth Cycle Map serves as a practical tool, guiding you through the 12 phases of the year...
Each representing different stages in your personal evolution.
It helps you anticipate what’s ahead, reflect on what’s behind, and stay aligned with your personal and spiritual growth.
This structure ensures that your growth is intentional, reflective, and in harmony with both your inner self and the natural world around you.
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Dive Deeper into this Phase #1 Below!
Phase
Overview
This phase involves stepping into the light, shedding the old, and embracing your new self. It’s a time for introspection, rediscovering your true identity, and aligning your life with your inner growth.
• Emergence
• Self-Discovery
• Vulnerability
• Shedding the Old
• Solitude
• Boundaries
• Alignment
In #1 Self (Seeing the Sun), the focus is on encouragement of self-discovery, personal growth, and the courage to fully embrace your evolving self.
Key Themes
Emergence
This phase represents the moment of stepping out from the darkness into the light, symbolizing a fresh start and new beginnings. It’s about leaving behind the familiar and comfortable, much like a seedling breaking through the soil to reach the sun. This phase marks the transition from the past into the present, where you begin to see the world with fresh eyes and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. It’s a powerful moment of awakening, where you start to fully embody the changes that have been brewing beneath the surface.
Self-Discovery
In this phase, self-discovery is about taking the time to truly understand who you are now, free from the influence of others. It’s a deep exploration of your inner world, where you reconnect with your core values, desires, and true essence. This phase encourages introspection and reflection, as you redefine your identity and gain clarity on what truly matters to you. It’s a journey of rediscovering your authentic self, understanding what brings you joy and fulfillment, and aligning your actions with your inner truth.
Shedding the Old
As you move forward, shedding the old becomes crucial. This theme is about letting go of the identities, beliefs, habits, and relationships that no longer align with who you are becoming. Just as a snake sheds its skin or a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, you are releasing what no longer serves your growth. This process can be challenging, as it requires you to confront and release the past, but it’s essential for making space for the new. By shedding the old, you allow yourself to fully step into your new self and embrace the opportunities and growth that await you in this next chapter of your journey.
This phase is about emerging from the darkness into the light, embracing your new self, and shedding what no longer serves you.
It’s a time of heightened sensitivity and introspection, where solitude becomes essential for rediscovering who you are without external influences.
As you step into this new chapter, you’ll redefine your identity, set new boundaries, and align your outer world with your inner growth.
Journal
Prompts
Who am I?
How would I describe myself in this moment? What unique gifts do I bring to the world? What fills my heart with joy and happiness? What roles do I embrace in my life’s journey?
Who am I no longer?
Which parts of my identity have I outgrown? How did I once define myself that no longer resonates with who I am today?
What am I releasing that no longer serves me?
Which habits, thoughts, beliefs, relationships, or circumstances no longer align with the person I am now and the one I am becoming?
What am I now welcoming into my life?
What support, love, opportunities, growth, or healing am I ready to receive to help me evolve into the highest version of my new self?
How does my outer world reflect my inner growth?
In what ways does my physical appearance, environment, or lifestyle mirror the changes happening within me?
What am I most excited to explore in this new chapter?
What possibilities, opportunities, or experiences am I eager to pursue as I step into this new phase of my life?
Action
Steps
Embrace Solitude
Take some time for yourself—whether it’s a day, a weekend, or longer. Find a retreat where you can reconnect with your inner compass. Reflect on who you’ve become and what that means for your daily life. Consider writing a personal manifesto to capture your evolving self.
Nurture Your Relationships
Let your loved ones know that while you care deeply for them, you need some time alone during this phase. This is your moment to explore who you are in this new cycle, free from outside influences.
Embrace Change
Feel the urge for a makeover? A fresh look? A new hairstyle or wardrobe? As you’ve grown and changed, let this be reflected in how you present yourself to the world. Redefine yourself with intention, choosing words and actions that align with who you are becoming.
Bask in the Sun
Step outside and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Imagine experiencing it for the first time, like a new seedling reaching for the light. Let the sunlight inspire and energize your growth.
“Navigating life on our own terms, while pursuing success, involves a dance of self-discovery and personal growth. It’s about challenging the status quo and redefining success in our own way.”
Kate
The Growth Cycle is your personalized roadmap to living in alignment with your true self.
It’s a process that helps you navigate life’s natural rhythms, empowering you to embrace change, trust your intuition, and grow consciously.
By tuning into where you are in your unique cycle, you can make choices that resonate with your core values and support your soul’s journey.
This isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about cultivating a life that feels authentically yours, flowing with the seasons of growth, rest, and renewal.
Kate Vanden Bos
Intuitive Consultant, Nature-Based Guide & Creator of the Growth Cycle.
Kate Vanden Bos is the visionary behind The Growth Cycle, a transformative tool that empowers professional women to reclaim their energy and achieve their goals without the burnout of constant overdoing.
With a unique blend of coaching and intuitive methods, Kate helps women break free from the cycles of overthinking and overworking. Her approach enables clients to achieve more and care for themselves without sacrificing their success or family’s needs.
A self-described 'recovering think-aholic,' Kate has turned her academically driven, performance-oriented past into a powerful resource for her clients. She draws on her extensive training in holistic medicine, human behavior, psychology, and nature-based coaching, backed by over 15 years of professional coaching experience.
Having traveled and lived across the globe, Kate now calls central Texas home. You can often find her exploring local trails with her beloved sheepadoodle, Barrett.
Join Kate's inner circle and gain access to her tools at www.katevandenbos.com.
When you're done with feeling like you're pushing
water uphill...
...or feeling out of control like you're blasting down white water rapids...
That's when you reach for a map,
a guidebook, and a paddle to get you exactly where you want to go.