Not great at in-betweens

I learned a long time ago that I’m good under pressure, in a pinch, in a bind… I somehow become calm, hyper-focused and get shit done. However, not so long ago, I learned that for as good as I am in a tough spot, I am lousy at the in-between moments in life. The spaces in between where I am and what I’m going for, what I have and what I want. I would not describe myself as a patient person. I’m not a total animal – I can hold it together for a good while. Most people don’t even realize that I’m coming unraveled while I wait for the waiting to end.

What is an in-between?

Obvious ones might be something like in-between jobs, searching for that perfect someone, waiting for a promotion, house-hunting, etc. For me, it’s the roller coaster of hope and disappointment. I start off with pure joy, drowning in possibilities, and then, if even a bit of too much time goes by without a victory (a signed contract, an interview, an accepted offer, etc.) the self-doubt doesn’t just creep in… it blasts open the door and makes itself right at home in my twitchy brain. I realize this is an insecurity issue on my part, and I’ll work – on it one day. Until then though, I’ll just keep moving forward (or side-ways) and telling myself I’m getting thicker skin as I do so. Ultimately, time moves on and in-betweens become either endings or new beginnings, and I think that’s what keeps this all so interesting.

Slow down.

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Slow down. 〰️

How to handle in-betweens

The same way I’d guess you handle anything else in life that squeezes you a bit too tight. Take some space. Take a walk. Take your time. It’s funny really, because most of the time, I enjoy a road-trip as much if not more as the destination. My favorite vacations have involved long stretches of driving from one famous spot to another - only to discover hidden gems between them. I remind myself to slow down, look around, ask some questions, have a snack and just appreciate the journey. It’s all growth, or at least an opportunity for it. There’s progress being made, even when it may not seem like it.

The takeaway

This post is as much a reminder to myself as it is a message to anyone else struggling in the in-between moments. If you’re there now, just keep going—forward, sideways, or even backwards if that’s what it takes. Sometimes all you can do is move, and that’s enough.