Patience For The In-Between

I know this passage well. It’s shown up with every major transition I’ve ever moved through, like starting my own business, living through a miscarriage, selling Next Generation Yoga, moving to Portugal, and being in perimenopause …
 
And, still! It’s unfamiliar and to be honest, somewhat uncomfortable.
 
There’s a shakiness to it. A kind of wobbly in-between feeling that I can’t find language for.
 
It’s visceral. Somatic. Kinda like walking on jello.
 
Yet, for some reason this time—as I am in the midst of unraveling my attachment system from my recent romantic partnership—I find myself in genuine acceptance of this middle phase.
 
Like I have more peace with it. And I am able to …
 
Meet myself with compassion as I allow what is.
Trust the Mystery and magic of this season.
Stay patient for the vision of my next chapter to unfold. 
 
It’s been super sweet to care for myself with this medicine … And, it’s helping in so many ways!
 
Like, I truly believe that I’m going to be okay—heck, I know I already am okay. I’m sleeping well, my energy is good, and I’m connecting with friends. I’m doing things that make me feel good, and this weekend I even hung art on the walls, something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.
 
Because here’s the thing.
 
No matter what kind of transition you are moving through ~ midlife and menopause, empty nesting and new beginnings, career pivot and retirement, relationship endings and health flares …
 
There is always a season of in-between, a time of mystery, a strange phase before your next chapter arrives.
 
And it cannot—ought not—better not—be rushed.
 
Patience for your in-between is key.
 
Because when you allow yourself generous time and space, and acceptance as you move through your transition …
 
You can integrate, appreciate, and honor your outgrown identity before rushing into the next version of yourself.
 
You can respond, discern, and make choices that are aligned and authentic to who you are becoming—not just automatic, by reflex, or because you think you are supposed to.
 
You can deepen your confidence, as you learn to trust yourself in this process—letting go of self-abandonment and other people’s expectations.
 
Don’t get me wrong, there is no myth of perfection over here. At times, I just want to be on the other side of my transition, skip past the unknown, abort all grief and longing, and hurry through this strange liminal phase …
 
But I know better.
 
I know that bypassing this potent part of transition can be even more disruptive than being in it. It can cause you to repeat old patterns, leave you carrying unprocessed emotions, and lead you to a new chapter that’s not fully aligned with you.  
 
So, I pass this on to you: Patience is a practice.
 
And it is absolutely necessary to practice patience when you are between chapters—especially when you don’t know what’s coming next.
 
If you are in the liminal ~ may you be gentle with yourself there.
 
May you trust that nothing is being wasted.
May you let the middle do its work.
May you remember that your next chapter does not need to be rushed.

Are you in the liminal too? If so, will you send me a note back? I’d truly love to know I am not alone and hear what this season is like for you.