When You’re in Between: How to Embrace the In-Between Seasons of Life

I think we don’t talk enough about the in-between seasons — those blurry, awkward periods in which it feels like you are no longer the person you used to be but also not yet the person you are becoming.

You are out of the relationship, but not yet ready to love again.
You have exited the job, but not yet found the next thing.
You have only healed halfway, but the triggers still get you down.
This in-between phase can seem confusing, but what if the middle is sacred as well?

The In-Between Is Not a Wasteland — It is a Workshop

We dash to the next chapter without letting the lessons of the last sink in. But the middle provides room for us to reframe, rebuild, and rest (Psychology Today).
It isn’t only when things are in bloom that growth takes place. It also happens underground, at night, when roots grow stronger.

In this phase, remind yourself everyday that, “I am becoming, even here when it seems dull.”

You Don’t Owe Anyone a Finish-line Version of Yourself

In the meantime, some people are prone to ask: “What’s next?”. You don’t have to know everything all the time. You don’t owe clarity you haven’t achieved yet, to anyone. You have room to ignore the questions if you are uncertain instead of diving for answers (Brené Brown Podcast).

Later on, you can write a diary entry called “Things I am Figuring Out” and be honest — no pressure to solve, just examine. It has helped me a lot reach out to my fears and issues.

Slow Days Are Sacred, Too.

In-between seasons tend to bring more silence, less noise. Take that quiet time to gather your thoughts, for rituals and rejuvenation. Light a candle. Make your bed slowly. Sit with your tea or coffee. Make sanctuary of stillness.

Reminder: Slowness needn’t be laziness. It’s listening and finding YOU.

Comparing Will Rob You Of This Time

The easiest way to ruin your in-between is to compare it to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media will be filled with people living life and it might make you compare yourself.  Remember, everyone has their wilderness — they just might not share it.
Here is a lovely piece from Tiny Buddha on what to remind yourself on the days you feel like you are behind in life.

Mantra: ‘I don’t have to rush my story to fit someone else’s timeline’ (Tiny Buddha).

The In-Between Is Getting You Ready for What’s Coming Next

Even if it seems like “nothing is happening,” your spirit is resting and you are finding yourself. Every time you pause or redirect your life, it is fine-tuning your focus.
As Harvard Health notes, rest and pause aren’t luxuries, they are critical components to cognitive and emotional resilience.

Truth: You are not stuck. You are finding your footing.

Celebrate the In-Betweens

This year might not feature fireworks or finish lines. But it is still part of you becoming. And it is something to be honored, not merely endured.

So breathe. Be here. You will not be in the in-between forever —but you will be better for it when you are out.

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