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The Unseen Strength of the In-Between


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That 1 AM scroll. The endless parade of highlight reels showcasing engagements, new homes, and booming careers. It’s easy to feel like you missed some crucial memo, like everyone else received a secret instruction manual on how to “adult” successfully. And there you are, caught in the in-between. Not where you used to be, perhaps outgrown those old roles and expectations. But not quite where you envisioned yourself to be by now.


The insidious whisper of self-doubt starts to creep in. Am I lazy? Am I doing something wrong? Why does everyone else seem to have it figured out? Let me tell you something vital: you are not lazy, and you are certainly not broken.


This feeling of being stuck in the in-between is a deeply human experience, especially for those who are smart, ambitious, and possess a keen sense of self-awareness. Your very ability to recognize this gap between your current reality and your aspirations is a testament to your insightful nature.


The challenge arises when this self-awareness curdles into relentless self-criticism. You’ve been second-guessing your instincts for so long that the path forward seems shrouded in fog. Trusting your own judgment feels like an impossible leap.



But here’s the empowering truth: trust is not something you’re born with; it’s something you build. Brick by brick, experience by experience. And the in-between, this seemingly stagnant space, can actually be fertile ground for laying that foundation.


Think of it this way: you’ve shed old skin, old ways of being. You’re in a chrysalis phase, not yet the butterfly, but actively transforming. This period of uncertainty can be uncomfortable, even painful, but it’s also brimming with potential.


So, how do you begin to build that unshakeable self-trust from the ground up? It starts with these fundamental shifts:


1. Radical Self-Compassion: The first step is to meet yourself where you are with kindness and understanding. Acknowledge the discomfort of the in-between without judgment. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a dear friend going through a tough time. Validate your feelings instead of dismissing them. This creates a safe inner space where trust can begin to take root.


2. The Power of Small Wins: Overwhelmed by the grand vision of where you want to be? Forget the giant leaps for now. Focus on the tiny, achievable steps you can take today. Did you send that email you were procrastinating on? Did you research a new skill? Did you simply make your bed and feel a sense of accomplishment? Celebrate these small victories. Each one is a deposit into your self-trust bank. It proves to yourself that you are capable of taking action and moving forward, even if it’s just an inch at a time.


3. Reconnecting with Your Inner Knowing: The noise of external expectations and comparisons can drown out your own inner voice. Make time for quiet reflection. Journal your thoughts and feelings. Practice mindfulness or meditation. What truly excites you? What aligns with your values? By tuning into your own internal compass, you begin to make decisions based on your authentic self, not on what you think you should be doing. This alignment fosters a deep sense of trust in your own direction.


Feeling like an adult isn’t about hitting arbitrary milestones or achieving some pre-defined level of success. It’s about feeling grounded in your decisions, confident in your direction, and secure in your inherent worth. The in-between might feel like a pause, but it’s often the crucial space where true self-trust is forged. Embrace the process, be kind to yourself, and know that you are building something strong and lasting within you. Your time will come, and when it does, it will be on your own terms, guided by the unwavering trust you’ve cultivated in yourself.

Open Arms Wellness

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Louisville, KY 40241

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