A friend recently said, “I feel like my life is a balancing act. I’m raising a teenager, helping my parents navigate older-age, and juggling a career that requires more and more from me. I keep thinking, ‘Is this the middle? Am I almost to the good part?’”
I hear this all the time - people feel stuck in the middle. They no longer feel the rush of starting something new. But they’re also unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been there. But I also know…there is magic in the middle.
Maybe the key is re-shaping how we think about this part of the journey. Not as a place we have to power through, but as a space where we can experiment and improve. It’s a time to reflect on what sparked our excitement in the first place and visualize the bold and fulfilling end result we dream of. Used correctly, the middle provides perspective (my favorite word). It’s not a thing to escape or avoid, but something to embrace, because the middle shapes us in ways the beginning and end never could.
The Subtle Slide Into the Middle
You can usually tell you’re in the middle when the excitement fades, the precision slips, and it feels like you're going through the motions.
Think about starting a new job, launching a new project, or beginning a new relationship. At first, it’s all energy…momentum…possibilities.
You carefully arrange your office, making sure every file folder is perfectly labeled and picture frames are angled to catch the best light. You build the perfect project plan - color coded and neatly mapped out. You plan the ideal date-night outfit, down to the shoes, the perfume, and even the undergarments (gasp) - because it all feels important.
But then, without even realizing it, things shift.
That perfect work space setup? Now it’s just a backdrop for half-empty coffee cups and a growing stack of “I’ll get to that later” papers. What started as a beautifully crafted strategic plan now looks like a crime scene of missed deadlines and last-minute workarounds. Date nights become less about dazzling each other and more about deciding if you have the energy to leave the house.
Nothing is wrong, exactly. It’s just different. The rhythm of repetition replaces the thrill of newness. Momentum is no longer enough to carry you forward. You have to keep showing up, even when the novelty has worn off.
Parenting in the Middle
And if you really want to see the middle in action…let’s talk parenting.
First child:
- Carefully tracked feeding and sleeping schedules (did any of you switch the bracelet each time you nursed?).
- Bottles and pacifiers are fully disinfected - boiled and sanitized before each use.
- Playdates are thoughtfully planned with enriching activities (themed snack trays and Pinterest worthy projects)
- Sleepovers require a full parental background check. (Do they have guns in the home? Is the liquor cabinet locked? What’s their stance on screen time?)
You are on fire with the good parenting.
Third child:
- Eats whatever they find on the floor. (Goldfish? Sure. Mystery gummy from under the couch? Eh, probably fine.)
- Falls asleep wherever exhaustion hits - the car seat, curled up in a Target shopping cart, under the dining table like a forgotten pet.
- Pacifiers? Just blow on them - they’re fine. Five second rule.
- Playdates? More like tagging along to older siblings’ activities, watching PG-13 movies way too young, and repeating words that were strictly forbidden for the firstborn. (Don’t judge me… I know I’m not alone here.)
But don’t panic - you’re still a great parent. You’ve just learned to let go, adapt, and embrace the beautiful chaos that comes with the middle.
Messy and Meaningful
The part between eager and expert can be murky. But here’s what I know: every victory requires a messy middle.
If you’re leading a team, managing a project, pursuing a big goal, or doing your best to raise productive, well-adjusted children… you will face moments where nothing feels like it’s coming together.
It will feel frustrating. Slow. Uncertain. You will doubt your abilities and question whether you’re really cut out for this. Am I actually making progress, or just running in circles? Did I bite off more than I can chew? Why does everyone else seem to have it figured out?
But here’s the thing - this part matters.
The middle is where you’re building resilience, refining your skills, and figuring out what really matters. It’s where you stop relying on adrenaline and start relying on intuition. It’s where you grow into the person who’s capable of finishing what you started.
So if you’re in the middle right now, take heart. It doesn’t mean you’re stuck. It means you’re becoming.
Now, your turn: What’s something you’ve experienced in the messy middle? I know there have to be some funny parenting stories about those poor second, third, and fourth children. Share in the comments. I’d love to hear your stories.
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