Why growth is never linear

Just when we think we’ve arrived—when the ground is firm beneath us and the horizon is bright and clear—we somersault again. Though exhilarating, the process requires us to descend before we ascend—spiraling into the depths of the unknown where we find our shadows and what many refer to as Dante’s Inferno. This cycle of the soaring highs and the inevitable lows of the descent isn’t failure—it’s expansion. 

Growth demands we return to the messy parts of ourselves we’d rather avoid. The trick isn’t to resist—it’s to embrace the movement. I’ve learned that if I fight the somersault, if I hesitate mid-rotation, the landing is rough. But if I lean in and trust the process, I come out on the other side more integrated, more whole. I always emerge stronger. 

This is the rhythm of becoming: orient, breathe, leap, disorient, discover, integrate, repeat. It’s not about reaching some final version of ourselves—it’s about welcoming each new iteration. Discovering who we are isn’t a plateau; it’s an invitation. An invitation to stop fearing the next turn and instead, revel in the wisdom that comes with each somersault. 

So, what’s your latest somersault? Where are you resisting, and where might you lean in?  

Embrace every somersault! Because the truth is, we never stop becoming. 

About Us 
Founded in 2008, M E Clarke Consulting is dedicated to transforming the way leaders and teams work together. With over 35 years of combined experience, Meghan and Kristi are trusted partners to CEOs, small business owners, academic leaders, VPs, and C-suite executives. We help leaders and teams navigate complexity and change by building trust, strengthening communication, and creating space for honest conversations.  
Let’s emerge stronger, together.