The Middle of Things

There’s something about being in the middle of something. It’s hard to get started on a journey, a project, a challenge, whatever it is, it takes motivation and navigating unknowns to begin. But to be in the middle, ugh, it can feel like it stretches on and on, right? There’s only one beginning and one end and the rest is ALL “the middle.” Often that alone can feel like an eternity.

The unsettling thing about life is that we spend most of our time in “the middle” of things. Because the bulk of a thing is spent in the middle it can feel like we just jump from the middle of one struggle to the next.

That thought alone makes me tired, thinking that there is a never ending something going on. I am a finisher. I tend to want to finish the thing I am currently in. Get it done and over with so that I can move onto the next thing. Which I will inevitably then be… in the middle of…I digress.

Here’s what I have discovered, I have to make the middle meaningful. That doesn’t mean that I necessarily enjoy it more but it feels less heavy. Maybe even doable.

A few things I do to help find meaning:

I connect with others. I share my experience with a trusted friend. Together we hash things out and sometimes that’s the boost I need to keep going.

I connect with myself. I find moments to be still and take a look back at where I have been. I allow grace for the parts of myself that still need further growth.

I connect with a Higher Power. I look to God for moments of peace and light, when I feel surrounded by uncertainty. I hold onto hope.

I study it out. I learn as much as I can about the thing I am going through. I look to experts for further understanding and learn from the experiences of others on a similar path.

If I put in the effort to find meaning, when that middle comes to an end, I feel like I can say goodbye with a grateful heart. Grateful for the meaningful growth it has provided me and grateful to be done with it. (finally)

Do you feel like you have had a lot of middles? I would love to hear how you find your way through.