The Messy Middle
Finding Meaning in the In-Between
Where Does the Magic Live?
The Messy Middle
I’ve been doing a LOT of pondering about purpose and meaning lately. (What can I say? My inner philosopher is in full force.)
And the more I think about it, the more I notice this wild dance we’re all doing—between collective contribution (how we show up, serve, and connect) and inner existence (the art of just being, soaking in the moment, no pressure to do anything at all).
But most people act like you have to pick ONE lane and stay in it (that whole you can’t have your cake and eat it too, menality).
You’re either all about giving, doing, and hustling, or you’re zenning out, meditating, and living your best mindful life. No in-between.
So when we find ourselves in transition—between doing and being—it feels…awkward. Uncomfortable. Like we’re doing something wrong just by being in flux.
What If the “Messy Middle” Is Actually the Magic?
Think about a snow globe. We shake it up not to see the snow settled at the bottom or stagnant floating—we want to watch the swirl, the chaos, the slow falling.
The movement. The transition. That’s where the beauty is!
Maybe this in-between stage (the part where you’re not sure if you’re contributing or just existing) is where the real growth happens.
The messy middle isn’t a mistake. YOU are not a mistake. And it doesn’t mean you’re behind, either. It’s where your next version is being formed.
How to Find Meaning (and Even Enjoyment) in the In-Between
Notice the urge to “figure it out” fast. What if you let yourself linger in the uncertainty, just a little longer? Feel what it’s like to float/fall (without judgment).
Practice curiosity over criticism. Instead of asking, “Why am I not doing more?” try, “What’s shifting in me right now?”
Remember, transitions are temporary. The swirl settles—until the next shake-up. We grow and plateau as part of the process; it’s not a defect.
If you’re feeling stuck or restless, you’re not broken. You’re just in the glitter-globe phase. That’s where the magic (and sometimes the meaning) lives.
All the best,
P.S. If you’re feeling stagnant and want to “shake things up” with intention or need help navigating the chaotic, messy middle, I currently have four one-on-one spots available for private coaching. If today’s message resonates, ask yourself if this is your sign to take the next step forward.
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Love the snow globe metaphor. That reframe of the messy middle as where the actual magic happens is spot on, especially for folks who get stuck in binary thinking about productivity vs rest. The part about practicing curiosity over criticism really landed for me, since I tend to beat myself up when Im in transiton. That shift from why am I not doing more to what's shifting feels like a much healthier lens to work with.