How You Grow When You Are in the In-Between Chapters

For life truly is a series of unique stages much like the chapters inside one helluve book. Every chapter of my life is the season with a different story, struggle and lesson. But it is in between those chapters that some of the most significant growth occurs.

Embracing Transition

Transitions, they are never any fun. They tend to bring questions and the feeling of not being connected with what we did before. Yet, this is where growth thrives — in the space of uncertainty. The next time we find ourselves sitting “between chapters” be grateful for the gift of reflection; a breathing space to review experiences, re-assess goals and vision our future.

During moments of transition, you may reflect on past choices or contemplate new options. This reflective process often helps us realise it is better or at least easier to move towards other empowering alternatives of choice. This discomfort can be our foil in the fires of growth, a forge that tempers us and makes us stronger.

New Perspectives

We see things more clearly when we are between chapters. We can take a step back and do something akin to an author who considers the next part of their story. What parts of our lives need full rewrites? Do we need to break old habits?

At these times, it is crucial to be receptive and open new experiences and learning. Comparing this concepts to different ideas, places or people is more like understanding and fully penetrating ourselves as well as the universe. These new viewpoints may actually end up affecting our next episode, in unimagined manners.

The Importance of Patience

Change does not happen overnight in those transitioning growth phases. This is no easy task and requires a lot of patience with yourself. While we move through these uncertainties, it's important to believe in the process. Every break can be an instant of warming up for what is to come.

Our brain works the same way a plant need to grow before it bloom, we require our moments of reflection and nurturing. This liminal space, where we allow ourselves to be, can bring a sense of clarity and provide the strength and attention needed for what comes next.

 

It is often the growth that happens in between chapters that are most monumental and life changing. Preventative maintenance — these moments, both difficult and cathartic pauses in the action that enable us to center ourselves, reflect on where we are at in a given moment or time frame and ready ourselves for whatever lies ahead. They are the ones who show us that every episode in life has its own story, and however boring or exciting they may be – it is equally important to keep them waiting for what lies ahead of this tale. Embrace this time. It may be that you are merely find the leaf after which a next chapter eager to be penned.