Growing Pains: Living in the “In between”

I have discovered recently that I am living in the in-between. I am aware that I am transitioning. I’ve graduated college, came home from traveling on the West Coast for two months, and my gap year is in full swing. I just recently officially unpacked from college. I am in desperate need of a job. I don’t know anyone my age in the area I live in now. I know things will change, and eventually, I will have a job, things will have settled, and I’ll have some friends (hopefully). But for now, I’m on the brink of all those things. I’ve completed about one hundred applications, downloaded Bumble BFF, and joined a new gym. But I’m still waiting for everything to take off. So, for now, I’m in the in-between.

I feel like not enough people talk about the in-between. They only talk about what happens once you’ve finished transitioning, you’ve found your rhythm, and things have settled down.

So, I’m here to talk about it. The discomfort that it brings and the awkwardness of trying to create a new routine, a new schedule, and a new lifestyle.

The days can be long, and the nights can be even longer. Things can get lonely. It can be easy to miss what was while waiting for what will be. Some days I wake up invigorated, excited by all the uncertainty. My empty calendar is excitedly waiting to be filled with things to do. Other days, the uncertainty is daunting, and my empty calendar teases me, reminding me of what I don’t have here.

But I’ve learned that the in-between, although a hard place, can also be a good place. The in-between can be a place of ups and downs, highs and lows, but it’s also a place of patience. It’s a time to recognize that change and growth are coming, and to be excited for that. Its knowing that you’re being challenged while you wait for what’s ahead.

The in-between is just life’s growing pains.

So, when you feel those aches and pains, remember that they’re a reminder of what’s coming. It’s okay to be in this space of preparation. You can’t rush it (no matter how hard you try) so sit in this space. Fully throw yourself into this transition. Be patient as things settle into place. Because that’s the other thing I’ve learned. They will settle. It will work out. It just takes some time.

Whether you’re about to be in a new city, a new year of college, a new job, or a new relationship, just remember that good things are coming. The growing pains will pass.