Last week, I wrote about advocacy as the final step in the Phoenix Blueprint—a stage that comes after rest, reflection, boundaries, communication, and inner clarity. It's a step that so many healthcare professionals long to reach, but rush into too early.

This week, I want to share a different truth:

Sometimes, your advocacy is underground.
And that’s exactly where it needs to be.

🌱 The Wisdom of the Seed

Not long ago, I was reflecting on how we often push ourselves to act before we’re truly ready. And this metaphor emerged: a seed.

A strong tree doesn’t appear overnight. It begins as a tiny seed—dormant, hidden beneath the soil. It waits for the right conditions: water, warmth, space. When the time is right, it grows.

But before the sprout… there is stillness. Darkness. Patience.

That doesn’t mean nothing is happening.

That seed is full of potential. It’s gathering, sensing, becoming. Just because the world can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not preparing something extraordinary.

🔥 Don’t Rush Into the Fire

First responders are trained to survey the scene—to pause before stepping into danger. Why? Because rushing in creates the risk of a second victim. And two people down help no one.

We need to take this same approach in advocacy.

In medicine and caregiving, we’re wired to fix. But sometimes that wiring leads us into battles we’re not resourced to fight. When you’re healing from burnout, trauma, or systemic disillusionment, the most strategic thing you can do is pause.

Not forever.
Just long enough to choose your path with intention.

💡 Quiet Acts of Advocacy

What if advocacy didn’t have to be public to be powerful?

• Reading books about systems change is advocacy.
• Listening to your colleagues without fixing is advocacy.
• Reflecting on what broke you and why is advocacy.
• Practicing self-compassion is advocacy.
• Saying “not yet” is advocacy.
  
  

These quiet, inner acts are the roots that will stabilize your future rise. They are not a waste of time. They are your training ground.

🧭 Strategy vs. Sacrifice

In last week’s post, I shared Dr. B’s story—how she keeps an advocacy journal and contributes ideas in a sustainable, low-pressure way. That’s tactical.

And just this week, I met Karen, who advocates for gun safety. She lives in Florida, where policy change feels impossible right now. So instead of burning herself out chasing blocked legislation, she partners with youth organizations to educate and support those who are ready to listen. “Maybe someday will be the time for policy,” she told me. “But not today.”

That’s not giving up.
That’s strategy.

Then there’s Annie Andrews, a pediatrician I’ve admired from afar, who just announced her run for Congress. She’s stepping onto a big stage with a bold voice.

Different paths. Same fire.

✨ What Kind of Advocate Are You Becoming?

Not every season is a spotlight season.

You may be in your rooting season.
Your observing season.
our learning season.

Don’t confuse that with stagnation.
You are not behind. You are building.

📝 Reflection Prompt:

• What “seeds” have I planted that are not ready to bloom—but still alive in me?
  
  
• What part of me wants to rush into action before I’ve recovered?
  
  
• What form of quiet advocacy could I honor this season?