Life is full of transitions — the moments between what was and what’s next. These “liminal spaces” can feel uncertain, even unsettling. They’re like standing in a hallway between two rooms, or waiting in an airport during a layover. You’re neither here nor there, and it’s hard to know where you belong.
As we step into January, many of us feel this sense of in-betweenness. The days are short, (especially here in the Portland, Oregon area), the garden is quiet, and we’re waiting for signs of new growth. Perhaps you’re waiting for a baby to arrive, a new job offer, or a decision that will shape your next steps. Liminal spaces like these can bring a mix of emotions — discomfort, nostalgia, anticipation — and it’s normal to feel unmoored.
But what if these in-between moments could also hold meaning for you?
Finding Your Ground
When life feels uncertain, grounding yourself in the present can be a powerful way to steady your emotions. It starts with small, meaningful rituals that remind you of what’s constant in your life.
- A morning cup of coffee: Take a quiet moment before the day begins. Breathe deeply, feel the warmth of the mug in your hands, and let yourself savor the stillness.
- Dinner table connections: Even if it’s just once a week, gather with loved ones to share your highs and lows. These simple moments of connection help you feel anchored in your relationships.
- Daily gratitude: Pause to notice the good around you — a kind word, a beautiful sunset, or the comfort of a favorite sweater. (A walk in the woods or a beautiful Oregon Coast sunset really does it for me.)
These rituals may seem small, but they’re powerful reminders that even in the in-between, there are things you can count on.
Embracing Both/And
Liminal spaces invite us to hold two truths at once. You might feel unsettled about what’s next while also feeling grateful for what you have now. Learning to sit with these both/and feelings can bring a sense of peace, even in uncertainty.
It’s also important to remember you’re not alone. We all navigate liminal spaces in different ways, and sharing your experience with others can help ease the burden. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a family member, or a therapist, connection reminds us that we don’t have to journey alone.
If you’re in the Portland, Oregon area and would like to connect with a therapist, we’re here for you, whether it be for couples therapy, marriage therapy, depression therapy, neurofeedback, and more. We’re just a phone call away.
Moving Through Together
Life’s transitions are inevitable, but they don’t have to feel like empty spaces. By pressing into the present and creating rituals of connection, you can find meaning even in the in-between. As you navigate these moments, remember: it’s okay to feel unsettled. It’s okay to not have all the answers. And it’s okay to trust that the next chapter will unfold when the time is right.
You’re not alone in this hallway of life. Let’s take a breath, find our footing, and walk through it together.
And if you’re in the Portland, Oregon area and would like help, please reach out. We’re here and would love to walk alongside you.
