The In-Between : No Longer Broken but Not Thriving Yet
Dec 01, 2025You’ve done the hard work. You’ve faced the heartbreak, the disappointment, the nights spent questioning yourself and your worth. You’ve cried, healed, and slowly started to pick up the pieces of your life. And yet, here you are, somewhere in the middle. You’re no longer broken, but you’re not thriving either. You feel like you’re floating in a space that isn’t quite solid, a space where you’re unsure of what comes next or who you’re becoming. This is what many people call the “in-between,” and it’s a phase that can feel both confusing and frustrating.
The in-between is a natural part of transformation. When you’ve left a difficult chapter behind whether it was a toxic relationship, a divorce, or a period of deep personal struggle you don’t instantly emerge fully renewed. Healing is a process, and growth is often invisible at first. You may find yourself functioning in your daily life, holding down work, maintaining friendships, and even smiling again, but inside, you might feel restless or unsure. You’re caught between the person you were and the person you’re becoming.
During this phase, it’s common to compare yourself to others. Social media only makes it worse. You see people thriving, succeeding, or in relationships that seem perfect, and you wonder why you’re stuck. But this is exactly what the in-between is meant to teach you: patience, self-compassion, and trust in the journey. This is not a limbo to be endured; it’s fertile ground for building a new version of yourself from the inside out.
So how do you navigate this in-between without feeling frustrated or lost? The first step is acknowledging that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. You don’t need to have a complete roadmap for the rest of your life right now. Instead, focus on the small things that build consistency and confidence. Daily routines, even simple ones, create stability and signal to your brain and body that you are capable and in control. This could be as simple as committing to a morning ritual, a short walk each day, or dedicating time to a hobby that brings you joy.
Exploration is also key. The in-between is an opportunity to discover new interests and passions that you may have ignored in the past. Try things that feel outside of your comfort zone. Attend a class, start a creative project, or join a group activity. These experiences not only help you build confidence, but they also expand your world and bring new people and opportunities into your life.
Another important aspect of this phase is shifting your mindset. Instead of seeing the in-between as a period of waiting or lack, recognize it as growth in progress. Growth is rarely linear. You might feel like you’re taking one step forward and two steps back, but each small action, each lesson, and even each setback is moving you toward a more complete version of yourself. Learning to embrace the discomfort and uncertainty of this stage is what eventually leads to transformation.
Finally, anchor yourself with actionable practices that remind you of your progress. Reflect on the changes you’ve already made, the emotional wounds you’ve healed, and the patterns you’ve broken. Celebrate the small victories, whether that’s choosing to respond calmly instead of reacting, saying no when you need to, or simply taking time for yourself without guilt. These moments of self-empowerment add up, slowly but surely, to create the thriving life you’re moving toward.
The in-between may feel like a long stretch of uncertainty, but it is also a powerful period of growth. You are no longer broken, and the life you are building is becoming stronger and more authentic each day. Trust the process, honor your journey, and take consistent steps forward. One day, you’ll look back and realize that this in-between was not a pause but the foundation of your most empowered, vibrant self.
By embracing this phase instead of rushing through it, you allow yourself to transform fully, not just survive, but lay the groundwork for the life you truly desire. You are in the in-between, and that’s exactly where you’re meant to be.
